Peter Quince at the Clavier
Victoria Bond
About this work:
Premiere: April 16, 1978; 92nd Street Y, New York City
Penny Orloff, soprano and percussion; Becky Silver, piano
Recording: Penny Orloff, sop; Zita Carno, pno., Protone Records
Commentary: Conceived as a monodrama, the singer portrays the narrator as well as each character in the Biblical narrative of Susanna and the Elders.
Reviews: "An aurally and visually unique work. Bond has designated specific letters for the five positions assumed by the singer during the performance. The singer moves at specified times in order to play particular percussion instruments while singing or during interludes. This work is fascinating in its use of the voice. Bond move quickly from cantabile to whispering in the first few bars. The considerable use of sprechstimme and whispered tones is contrasted by a long-spun cadenza. There is also a great deal of dramatic and dynamic contrast. It is rhythmically complex for both performers and has frequent meter changes. The clever use of vocal and percussive effects creates a phantasmagorical work, difficult to interpret but well worth the effort."
--New Directions
"An ambitious and diverting monodrama."
--New York Times
Year composed: 1978
Duration: 00:16:00
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Solo Voice with Keyboard
Instrumentation: 5 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, ,1 Soprano soloist(s)
Instrumentation notes: Singer also plays 5 percussion instruments:
Tam-tam, hi-hat cymbals, wind chimes, triangle, tambourine.