Meditation. Reflection. The 40+ minutes of Heartland, recorded by co-composers/performers William Barton and Véronique Serret transcend the realms of this earth. As you venture through the tales woven by Barton and Serret, often accompanied by words from Australian poet and singer Aunty Delmae Barton, let the music wash over you, let it connect your soul with the heartbeat and Heartland of the mother country, Australia.
Divided into nine distinct tracks, each is speckled with dots of improvisatory aspects which means that each time these pieces are performed, they are never one and the same, much like the ever-changing landscape that guides the music. Barton is a didgeridoo virtuoso, and Serret is a powerhouse violinist who seamlessly blurs the lines between classical and contemporary. However, both are far more than just their instruments. They are storytellers, they are guides on this journey through Heartland, through the landscape, and through the traditions of first Australians who teach the importance of belonging to a place.
Language here is just a touchstone, throughout the work Barton uses multiple digeridoos and guitar, Serret stretches the limits of the violin with her tasteful use of extended techniques, and all of this is combined with soaring vocals, loop effects and ethereal electronics that enchant the listener. To Australians, Heartland paints a picture of a familiar landscape, to others, you are transported to the outback, free to explore the country, landscape and culture, all through the power of music. In “Didge Fusion”, Barton shares his heritage and sings in his native language, Kalkadoon. Here there is no sense of limit to the language, no boundaries between the listener and his story, this is where the true power of the duo's talents come together to demonstrate the limitless capabilities of their musical fusion. © Jessica Porter-Langson / Qobuz