Description
“Gado-Gado” is an Indonesian term for a famous national dish (various vegetables and hot peanut sauce). However, the term is also used to refer to the mixing of things from various origins, or doing various things without any serious target. In such a context, the term does not always have a positive meaning. Sometimes it is supposed to be funny, sometimes even quite pejorative, especially if the reason or aim is not clear enough.
This title came to me when I was asked to write a piece for the five instruments mentioned above, because I thought it was a rather unusual, if not a very strange combination of instruments. As I have a strong relation to the aura of an instrument, this combination represented completely different aesthetical realms for me (especially the harpsichord).
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how I should react to this request. Nevertheless, I considered it to be a challenge and tried to concentrate on the acoustic impact of the instruments, on potential combinations, but also on possible oppositions. Finally, I felt it could become a really unique “musical dish”, no longer all the bits and spices of a “Gado-Gado”, but a new overall identity created by such a peculiar combination of instruments and their respective characteristics.
