The Radiance of Her Light (1996-7)
for performance poet, soprano and
two percussionists
On May 9, 1997, this piece was
premiered at the Alea II Concert (under the direction of J. Karla Lemon)
at Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford University by:
Jacqueline Thurston, performance poet
and co-creatrix
Mary Linduska, soprano
Luanne Warner, percussion
Susan Jette, percussion
Program Notes
The cycle of the waxing, full and waning moon form the basis for the three
movements of the Radiance of Her Light. In addition, the piece features
two improvised solos, one by each percussionist. The middle section, entitled
Full Moon Dance, has essentially a rondo form (ABA'CA''), with the variations
based on the Yoruba healing rhythm called Lamba. Over the djembe, cowbell
and woodblock emerges an increasingly energetic vocal line. The contrasting
sections in between the Lambas derive from two particular metrical permutations
of thirteen beats (for the thirteen lunar months in the year).
In both outer movements, jazz harmonic progressions are set for marimba
and vibraphone. Yet their distinctive auras are created via the rhythmic
energy of a medium swing feel in the waxing section and a very slow, meditative,
"straight", and somewhat repetitive, hypnotic waning section.
The poetic recitation reinforces these concepts with its richly evocative
imagery. Near the end of the waxing section, the voice takes flight into
a scat-like effect, but by the time it reappears in the the waning portion,
it has receded into a translucent, sustained and lulling hum. If the final
section of this piece puts you into a deeply meditative state, it has succeeded
in its aim.
