Messaggio E Domanda
Thomas Lawrence Toscano
About this work:
Messaggio e Domanda, brings together two monumental events. The 2001 eruptions of Etna, on the island of Sicily,(June, July , August of 2001) which lead up, in the composer direct experience, to the events of 9/11 tragically bringing the vulcano home to Manhattan. The composer was an eye witness, taking live photo's of the event then writing the poem, (the final section of the piece), he would later set to music, on that very day.)
The premiere was performed under the shadow of Etna, in Catana's Conservatory: Istituto Vicenzo Bellini, on May 29th 2003. The work is in Italian, Sicilian, English written for Alto, Spoken Voice and a small ensemble. (8 performers in all)
Version: Chamber Ensemble and 2 Voices
Year composed: 2002
Duration: 00:18:00
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Voice with Chamber/Jazz Ensemble, 6-9 Players
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Clarinet, 1 Timpani, 1 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Electric/Electronic Keyboard, 1 Violin, 1 Cello, 1 Alto, 1 Narrator
Instrumentation notes: Mezzo and 1 Male Voice (Spoken)
Flute triples on Piccolo and Alto Flute. Percussion was intended for one player but, has been done by two. Keyboard and Piano are meant to be played by same person. Percussion:
GC, Tubular Bells, Crash cymbal, Piccolo snare, Regular snare, Field Drum, Gong,and prepared table. (To be discussed with the composer).