Home / Arts and Entertainment / Electric Guitar Joins Baroque for New Passion Premiere
Electric Guitar Joins Baroque for New Passion Premiere
25 Mar
Summary
- A new 90-minute Passion by Tansy Davies premiered in London.
- The work features a hidden electric guitar alongside baroque instruments.
- It is described as a sensual meditation focusing on Mary Magdalene.
A groundbreaking new Passion by composer Tansy Davies has premiered at London's Barbican Hall, presented by the Dunedin Consort under conductor John Butt. This 90-minute work, a co-commission with the Edinburgh International Festival, delves into the figure of Mary Magdalene, drawing from ancient texts and contemporary poetry.
The composition unfolds over seven episodes, featuring eight singers. Anna Dennis portrays a visionary Mary Magdalene, while other female voices act as an Oracle. The score is noted for its taut writing, moving beyond a traditional Passion to become a ritualistic meditation, even incorporating startlingly sensual poetic elements and Jesus's initial angry command, "Shut up!"
Intriguingly, an electric guitar is subtly integrated into the baroque ensemble. It provides delicate details early on and hints at a rock riff during the crucifixion, offering a unique sonic contrast. This modern addition, alongside the recurring harpsichord motif, enhances the work's sense of ritual and connection to human movement, making Davies's score a reward in itself.
