The Ellenroad twin tandem compound engine
The world's largest working steam mill engine is to be transformed into a gigantic instrument at a unique concert this bank holiday weekend (Sunday 3 June). Three brass players accompanying the running Victoria and Alexandra engine at Ellenroad Mill, Rochdale, will play a composition by University of Manchester masters student Simon Joyner, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. While the public look on, the musicians -also from the University- will play the piece in two parts at positions dotted around the engine. They will begin with a fanfare, increasing in speed as the 85-ton fly wheel - which is as big as a house - gradually roars into life and a second part as it slows down and stops. He said: "The piece is a celebration of the incredible power and beauty of the Ellenroad engine, which will itself become an essential part of the ensemble. "The spirit of the music is linked with the rhythm of the engine, amplifying its physical workings and moving parts as it gathers speed, reaches an optimum power and finally comes to rest. "The idea is to create a musical whole out of the engine's sonic and visual character, but the project is also about taking classical music out of the concert hall and into other environments.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
