Askell Masson
Goa
for Orchestra
Askell Masson
Goa
for Orchestra
- Instrumentation Orchestra
- Composer Askell Masson
-
Difficulty Level
- Edition Score
- Publisher Editions Bim
- Order no. BIM-ORCH92B
Description:
Goa is the second-to-last winter month in the old Icelandic calendar. According to ancient tradition, the first day of the month of Goa is dedicated to the lady of the house. On this day, husbands give their wives flowers—as a sign of appreciation and affection. Instead of flowers, I have decided to dedicate this piece to three important women in my life: my wife, my daughter, and my granddaughter. This composition is my way of honoring them—a musical tribute to their strength, their kindness, and the intergenerational bond they embody. Subtle influences from my travels to India—particularly to the coast of Goa—can be heard throughout the piece. Right at the beginning, sounds reminiscent of the vibrating strings of an Indian sitar evoke a mood of calm and inner reflection. Aside from these echoes, "Goa" is essentially a free fantasy for orchestra. The work does not follow a fixed form but is guided by imagination and emotion. It weaves Nordic stillness with Eastern hues, creating a unique soundscape that invites listeners on a personal journey. Goa was commissioned by the Icelandic Broadcasting Corporation (RÚV) Composers’ Fund and the Icelandic Composers’ Association (STEF) and composed in 2017–2018. The duration is approximately 15 minutes.