Work
Electric songs : cantata for soloists, choir, theremin, bells and instrumental ensemble
by Martin Friedel (2005, this version: 2006)
Score
Electric songs : cantata for soloists, choir, theremin, bells and instrumental ensemble / Martin Friedel.
Library shelf no. 782.5524/FRI 1 [Available for loan]
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Work Overview
Electric Songs is the fourth of my 'science' cantatas. The texts used are drawn and adapted from a wide variety of historical, mythical and scientific narratives about electricity from the writings of Ovid, Pliny the Elder, Benjamin Franklin and others. Electric Songs traces the lightning-like forking path of human enlightenment and folly that we know as progress, and uses music to move our understanding beyond the merely factual. The introduction contained in the full score explores these themes in detail.
The structure of Electric Songs uses the interplay between solo voices of individual characters and choral forces in a series of short dramatic scenes with short semi-improvised exchanges between theremin and cello creating scene-changing interludes.
Work Details
Year: 2005, this version: 2006
Instrumentation: Soprano soloist, bass soloist, SATB choir, trumpet in C, tenor trombone, percussion, vibraphone, piano, 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass, theremin (optional), choir bells.
Duration: 36 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Commission note: Commissioned by Astra Chamber Music Society with funds provided by Arts Victoria.
First performance: by Astra Chamber Orchestra, John McCaughey, Astra Choir — 2 Oct 05. Fitzroy Town Hall, Melbourne, as part of the Astra 2005 Concert Series
Libretto by the composer
Subjects
- In the form/style of: Cantatas
Performances of this work
5 Jun 06: Fitzroy Town Hall, Melbourne, as part of the Astra 2006 concert season. Featuring John McCaughey, Astra Choir, Astra Chamber Orchestra.
2 Oct 05: Fitzroy Town Hall, Melbourne, as part of the Astra 2005 Concert Series. Featuring Astra Chamber Orchestra, John McCaughey, Astra Choir.
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