Seven Face Pictures
2010
Seven Face Pictures is a setting of Caroline Bird’s ‘Facial’, a cycle of wonderfully evocative poetic vignettes, each based on a different feature. Each movement is strongly characterised, from the solemn prayer of ‘Eyes’ to the strong rhythmic profile of ‘Lips’ and the acceleration/deceleration vortex of ‘Nose’. The structure is symmetrical, with the instrumental texture thinning out towards the middle, leaving just the lone voice to sing the central movement.
The work is dedicated to Caroline Bird.
Instrumentation: Mezzo-soprano, flute & cello
Duration: c. 13″
Premiere: 13th January 2011 by Trio Atem, Cosmo Rodewald Hall, Manchester
Further performances: 7th October 2011 by Trio Atem, International Anthony Burgess Institute, Manchester (selection)
4th November 2011 by members of Opera Viscera, final of Philip Bates Prize, Birmingham Conservatoire Recital Hall
3rd February 2012 by Trio Atem, Bridgewater Hall Foyer, Manchester (selection)
2nd June 2013 by Trio Atem, Nip & Tipple, Manchester (selection)