Arupadhatu: the Formless World for two flutes (2018).

Arupadhatu: the Formless World was written to accompany choreographer Joséphine Garibaldi's dance piece Anticipatory Illumination (2004). Joséphine studied dance in Java and while there she visited the Borobudur temple. The temple takes the form of a pyramid which depicts the spiritual journey from Kamadhatu (the world of desires) to Arupadhatu (the formless world). Garibaldi's choreography reflects this journey and ends in the formless world as the music of the flute duet comes to a close. The duet calls for harmonics and a variable speed vibrato. The vibrato is inspired by the extremely fast vibrato used by Andean flutists. I find that I cannot personally perform this kind of vibrato for very long. When indicated on longer notes, I suggest speeding the vibrato up then slowing it down again. The duet should be played with a certain amount of freedom. Strict rhythmic coordination between the parts is essential only at the end. Arupadhatu: the Formless World was recorded by flutist Iwona Glinka in 2018 and appears on her CD Two Minutes (Phasma Music, available through Naxos Direct and the iTunes Music Store in the United States). Sheet music for Arupadhatu is available from Flute World