Abhisheka is a highly exotic and intriguing work inspired by the writings of Tibetan Buddhist guru Chögyam Trungpa. It navigates slower passages of musical time and explores the microcosm of inner space between the even intervals of the tempered chromatic scale. Often solely comprised of quarter-tones, the temporal space between Abhisheka's periodic chordal swells gradually contracts and expands, and is filled with sensual solo lines rich with flickering microtonal inflections.
Oliver Hancock, Music in New Zealand, Summer 1998-1999
This is a mostly slow and reflective piece, beautiful as well as profound. Extensive use of quarter-tones gives it an unusual sound. Against a background of hushed chords, the violins and cello each have an extended solo passage. After a more energetic and unexpectedly intense climax, the viola has its turn. Psathas shows a sure hand in the marriage of material to form and the careful pacing of the work.
John Psathas is a New Zealand freelance composer and teacher who, at a relatively early stage in his career, has established an international profile and receives regular commissions from organisations both in New Zealand and overseas. His works are championed around the world by a growing number of leading international artists, one of the most consistent of whom has been the Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Initially making a name for himself as a composer of high-energy percussion music, more recently the composer has concentrated on a series of larger-scale concertante works. A major career highlight to date has been the commission to compose the ceremonial music for the opening and closing of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. In 2005 John Psathas was created an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music.
