Score
The Nephelai : for string orchestra / Evan Lawson.
Library shelf no. 784.7/LAW 1 [Available for loan]
Work Overview
In Greek mythology, the Nephelai were demi goddesses dedicated to rain, clouds and wet weather.
They played a role in providing life-giving water for crops, but could also damage and destroy the livelihood of ancient Greece.
In this work, I attempt to create a sound world akin to these spirits, but also with some tension inspired by the Aeschylus quote below, where Prometheus hears of the coming weather, attributed to the Nephelai.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound 115-285 (trans. Weir Smyth) Greek tradgedy C5th B.C.
Prometheus, who has been chained to the mountain crag:
Ha! Behold! What murmur, what scent wings to me, its source invisible,
Heavenly or human, or both?
Has someone come to this crag at the edge of the world to stare at my sufferings-orwith what motive?
What may be this rustling stir of birds I hear again nearby?
The air whits with the light rush of wings.
Whatever approaches causes me alarm.
Work Details
Year: 2015
Instrumentation: 5 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos, double bass, harp.
Duration: 10 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Commission note: Grafenegg Festival
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