(2013) – Solo Tenor, Alto Flute, Harp
A dream-like, sensual and surreal quality permeates much of this short song-cycle of three poems by Paul Éluard. The music moves fluidly in mood and metre and gives the impression of ‘recitations’ rather than ‘songs’. Acting as one ‘piece’ as much as three separate songs, they are all joined thematically and often quote from or make reference to each other.
The central song Marine acts as the still centre; with gentle waves breaking on the harp and long, deep breaths in the flute; the outer songs, L’absence and Absences II are generally more mercurial in mood.