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Elio: Visions of Light II - Christie Finn, soprano

by Linda Dusman

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Linda Dusman (b.1953): Elio: Visions of Light II (2007):

The fragmented text of this work explores light in many of its aspects, beginning with the concept of spreading light (I) and then addressing the specific light of mid-day (II), dawn (III) and midnight (IV). The poetry itself, that of Sappho (c. 620 B.C. - c. 550 B.C.), retains a close relationship with music since Sappho was considered a “lyrist” in ancient Greece. This means that her poems were to be performed with the accompaniment of the lyre. Dusman further enhances the lyrical quality of the words (presented in both Greek and English translation throughout the work) by stating that the piece is for solo soprano. The hand drum is optional, though played by the singer in this version. Therefore, Dusman heightens the significance of the singer herself. The poetic fragments are presented through melody, chant-like sections, speech and minimal extended vocal technique. When played, the hand drum provides a steady “earth” upon which the singer can stay rooted to meter and find (albeit sometimes disjointed) stability within each movement. This is especially true in the second movement, when the singer and drum are trading off their imitations of crickets.

The fact that the piece relies solely on one soprano is a testament to the life of Sappho and the history of her poetry over the past 2,500 years. Her place in history and her gender seem to have predestined her towards prominence. Though considered to be one of the greatest and most influential lyric poets in European history, only one full poem of Sappho survives in its entirety. The rest of her lyrics remain in fragments, and these fragments have influenced and been translated by countless “Romantic” poets for centuries, from Catullus (84 B.C. – 54 B.C.) of Rome to Percey Bysshe Shelley and Alfred Lord Tennyson of the 19th century. Her poetry truly sings of the lone poet who does not necessarily view poetry as the product of skill and craftsmanship, but instead sees poetry as an honest expression of personal experience and deep emotions. Though not directly addressed in these poems, Sappho’s poetry and reputation have always faced opposition because of her frank view of erotic love, seeing it as the highest form of human expression. Her expressions of erotic love towards women in her poetry have also drawn controversy concerning her own sexuality, though she was married and had three children. However, controversy has not diminished her fame or influence. Even in its fragmented state, Sappho’s poetry still remains astoundingly fresh and abundantly creative.

Composer Linda Dusman was one of my finest teachers during my undergraduate work at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and remains a mentor for me today.

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released June 5, 2011

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MSM Contemporary Performance Program Class of 2011 New York, New York

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