Transcription V - Hayden Chisholm "Oracle Hymn 13"

A few months ago I presented a transcription of Hayden Chisholm’s “Oracle Hymn 9”. Todays transcription, “Oracle Hymn 13” seems to me a sister piece to “Oracle Hymn 9”. The modal language is dense and knotted but not inelegant—quite the opposite in fact. As usual, Chisholm’s control, intonation, and phrasing are exemplary. Getting this kind of phrasing across on the guitar is tricky to impossible but I have found the attempt instructive. You can find a full transcription of the piece here and watch my performance of it here.

Transcription II - Hayden Chisholm "Oracle Hymn 9"

I have admired the music of Hayden Chisholm for many years now. My favourite works of his are those written for saxophone ensembles, pieces like “Love in Numbers” and “Density Movements”. Also delightful are his pieces for saxophone and accompanying drone—usually a sruti box. “Oracle Hymn 9” stands out as a particularly moving example of such a piece. The modal colours seem unique among his other pieces. A full analysis is warranted but for now you can find the complete transcription here and view my performance of the piece here.