Black Pencil
Roderik de Man
The ensemble Black Pencil, blending recorder, pan flute, viola, accordion, and percussion, collaborates with Kyai Fatahillah to perform Topeng Masquerade. Inspired by the traditional Indonesian topeng dance, this concert combines contemporary compositions with traditional topeng pieces, showcasing the cultural richness of Indonesia through experimental and new techniques.
Black Pencil is an ensemble known for its unique instrumentation of recorder, pan flute, viola, accordion, and percussion. Together with Kyai Fatahillah, they perform the concert piece Topeng Masquerade, where the focus is on the traditional Indonesian dance form known as topeng (‘mask’), which portrays myths and legends.The ceremonial nature of Indonesian culture and the topeng masks provide rich inspiration for curious composers who are eager to push boundaries. The performance alternates between original works and traditional topeng pieces, with musicians employing new techniques with respect and imagination.Roderik de Man, born in Indonesia, is highly familiar with this musical language and has previously composed for Black Pencil. Composer and artistic leader Iwan Gunawan constantly seeks new playing techniques and composition methods for the gamelan, incorporating electronics into his works.Program:Roderik de Man (1941): Buffoni (2013) | Black PencilInterlude I: Topeng Traditional | Kyai Fatahillah & Black PencilIwan Gunawan (1974): Meeting in the Kitchen (2022) | Kyai Fatahillah & Black PencilInterlude II: Topeng Traditional | Kyai Fatahillah & Black PencilNursalim Yadi Anugerah (1991): Hogespanning (2022) | Black PencilIwan Gunawan (1974): Minutes (2022) | Kyai Fatahillah & Black PencilInterlude III: Topeng Traditional | Kyai FatahillahRoderik de Man (1941): Topeng (2022) | Kyai Fatahillah & Black PencilBok Bang: Topeng Traditional | Kyai Fatahillah & Black PencilBlack Pencil:Jorge Isaac – RecorderMatthijs Koene – Pan FluteEsra Pehlivanli – ViolaMarko Kassl – AccordionEnric Montfort – Percussion
