Score
Orpheus' Descent : for piano alone / Natalie Nicolas.
Library shelf no. 786.28/NIC 1 [Available for loan]
Work Overview
The tale of Orpheus in Greek mythology, is told in three parts: his life on Earth with his lover Eurydice, her death and his descent into hell to retrieve her, and their ascent back to Earth where she is lost forever.
This piece depicts the second part: descent. In this chapter, Orpheus descends into hell with the protection of the Gods and his famous lyre. He encounters the tragic, lost souls on his way, and soon meets Cerberus, a three-headed dog whom he wins over with his lyre song. Cerberus accompanies Orpheus to find Hades, to bargain with him for his wife's life.
Hence, this work is in four distinctive sections:
I. The God's Protection & the Lyre
II. Souls
III. Cerberus
IV. Orpheus Plays His Lyre with Ceberus, to Bargain with Hades
Work Details
Year: 2022
Instrumentation: Piano prepared with two small pin boxes and an eBow. Opt. without preparation.
Duration: 10 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Contents note: I. The God's Protection & the Lyre -- II. Souls -- III. Cerberus -- IV. Orpheus Plays His Lyre with Ceberus, to Bargain with Hades.
Written for: Alex Raineri
Commission note: Commissioned by Alex Raineri.. Commissioned by Alex Raineri for Brisbane Festival, facilitated by generous support by Vicki Brooke
Performances of this work
16 Dec 22: Brisbane Music Festival, City Workshop Brisbane CBD. Featuring Alex Raineri.
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