Bloodsong (2015) for mezzo-soprano, chamber orchestra, and fixed media
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Duration 50:00
For performance materials and rental inquiries, contact the composer at bfs217@gmail.com.
- PROLOGUE
- Scene I: Bloodstains ("The Old Rugged Cross")
- Scene II: Power in the Blood ("There is Power in the Blood")
- Scene III: Nothing but the Blood ("Nothing but the Blood")
- Scene IV: See the Blood ("When I See the Blood")
- Scene V: Bloodbath ("Are You Washed in the Blood")
- EPILOGUE
For performance materials and rental inquiries, contact the composer at bfs217@gmail.com.
Program Notes
BLOODSONG is my doctoral dissertation, composed for mezzo-soprano Ellie Jarrett Shattles. I began work on the project in April, developed a background story for the main character, and wrote the libretto myself. The plan was to have the piece performed on my final recital before the defense and submission of the document for graduation as a way of incorporating rehearsal and performance aspects into the composition process. I’ve made cuts and revisions along the way, including re-orchestrating experiments that turned out to be complete disasters.
This work is something very personal that tackles specific questions and concerns about organized religion that troubled me as a young adult. I questioned my faith and religion, and also my sexuality. Knowing that there are still congregations that preach so much hate makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I feel it is time to dig up some of these old feelings and incorporate them into this story, this text, and this music.
The story revolves around a crazed, blood-obsessed religious fanatic named Elizabeth who believes she has been called by God to seek out hatemongers within congregations all across the South. BLOODSONG provides a glimpse into her mind as she recalls moments throughout her life and her secret crusade that ultimately leads her to the conclusion that she must take her own life. These memories and musings are presented as a monodrama/dramatic song cycle made up of five of her most beloved hymns. Her past crimes are alluded to over the course of each scene in a way that is intended to raise several questions without ever providing the audience with specific details. While this can be confusing, I hope it allows for the listener’s imagination to fill in some of the gaps. By the end of the work, one might come to the conclusion that Elizabeth is simply a closeted homosexual turned serial killer. She hears voices in her head that she perceives to be the voice of God and truly believes washing herself in the blood of her victims will wash away the sin. She hopes her work is done, but she knows it will never be enough. She will never be able to remove all the hatred and make God happy. Elizabeth finally realizes there is one way to make God satisfied with her work – she must sacrifice herself and wash herself in her own blood.
Recital Program and Notes
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7rtijhfai1sdl9f/AADz1hnWxp1ww-A_AGIrmM3da?dl=0e.
Instrumentation
Flute (doubling Bass Flute)
Oboe (doubling English Horn)
Bb Clarinet (doubling EEb Contra Alto Clarinet)
Bassoon (doubling Contrabassoon)
Horn in F
Trumpet in Bb (doubling Flugelhorn)
Trombone
Percussion (one player)
Harpsichord
Fixed Media (2-channel playback, no live processing)
Mezzo-Soprano
2 Violins
Viola
Cello
Bass
Performance
BLOODSONG is my doctoral dissertation, composed for mezzo-soprano Ellie Jarrett Shattles. I began work on the project in April, developed a background story for the main character, and wrote the libretto myself. The plan was to have the piece performed on my final recital before the defense and submission of the document for graduation as a way of incorporating rehearsal and performance aspects into the composition process. I’ve made cuts and revisions along the way, including re-orchestrating experiments that turned out to be complete disasters.
This work is something very personal that tackles specific questions and concerns about organized religion that troubled me as a young adult. I questioned my faith and religion, and also my sexuality. Knowing that there are still congregations that preach so much hate makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I feel it is time to dig up some of these old feelings and incorporate them into this story, this text, and this music.
The story revolves around a crazed, blood-obsessed religious fanatic named Elizabeth who believes she has been called by God to seek out hatemongers within congregations all across the South. BLOODSONG provides a glimpse into her mind as she recalls moments throughout her life and her secret crusade that ultimately leads her to the conclusion that she must take her own life. These memories and musings are presented as a monodrama/dramatic song cycle made up of five of her most beloved hymns. Her past crimes are alluded to over the course of each scene in a way that is intended to raise several questions without ever providing the audience with specific details. While this can be confusing, I hope it allows for the listener’s imagination to fill in some of the gaps. By the end of the work, one might come to the conclusion that Elizabeth is simply a closeted homosexual turned serial killer. She hears voices in her head that she perceives to be the voice of God and truly believes washing herself in the blood of her victims will wash away the sin. She hopes her work is done, but she knows it will never be enough. She will never be able to remove all the hatred and make God happy. Elizabeth finally realizes there is one way to make God satisfied with her work – she must sacrifice herself and wash herself in her own blood.
Recital Program and Notes
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7rtijhfai1sdl9f/AADz1hnWxp1ww-A_AGIrmM3da?dl=0e.
Instrumentation
Flute (doubling Bass Flute)
Oboe (doubling English Horn)
Bb Clarinet (doubling EEb Contra Alto Clarinet)
Bassoon (doubling Contrabassoon)
Horn in F
Trumpet in Bb (doubling Flugelhorn)
Trombone
Percussion (one player)
Harpsichord
Fixed Media (2-channel playback, no live processing)
Mezzo-Soprano
2 Violins
Viola
Cello
Bass
Performance
- September 22, 2015, Austin, TX (world premiere) - DMA Composition Recital, University of Texas at Austin