Victoria Bond

Peter Quince At The Clavier

Year: 1978

Duration (in minutes): 16'39;

Difficulty: Medium (college/community)

Category: solo voice(s) with piano

Publisher: Subito Music Corporation

Description: Text: Wallace Stevens
Prem: 4/16/78; 92nd Street Y, NYC
Conceived as a monodrama, the singer portrays the narrator as well as each character in the Biblical narrative of Susanna and the Elders. The composer suggests that the singer also play the percussion instruments, however, it is possible to have a separate percussionist.
“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 moves 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.” NY Times