Programme note
Clouds Clearing is based on two earlier pieces:
Chronicles, commissioned by the 1820 Foundation, and Horizon,
Night-sky and Landscape, commissioned by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO). Both were written at a time when it became clear to Roosenschoon that the South African composer should really explore the wealth of indigenous music in order to develop a distinctive voice.
The first movement is an elegy. Its theme unfolds slowly in layers, reminiscent of clouds. The second movement, based on a Zulu song, Shosholoza, is fast with powerful rhythms, possibly depicting a colourful African landscape.
The title Clouds Clearing, of course, could also be a metaphor for the recent transformation that took place in South Africa towards the fulfilment of long-cherished aspirations by its people
Review
(Clouds Clearing) expresses the joy of South Africa’s new democracy in a way that no political speech ever could.
Hudson, Barrie. 4 August 1994, EVENING EXPRESS (Aberdeen, Scotland)
Boekkooi, Paul. 3 August 1994, STAR
Cloete, Johan. 4 Augustus 1994, DIE BURGER
Cooper, Alan. 4 August 1994, PRESS and JOURNAL (Aberdeen, Scotland)
Baleta, Adele. 9 August 1994, THE ARGUS