Évocation

ÉVOCATION for voice and instrumental ensemble was commissioned by Ars Musica in 2019, based on the original French text “Évocation” by Albert Giraud. The work is inspired by Schönberg's “Pierrot Lunaire”. The composer wanted to convey a personal musical impression of the poem. It is also inspired by paintings and sculptures of the weeping Madonna and the Madonna with child. There is an emotional and dramatic atmosphere in the work, just as in the text. The entire piece has a dark undertone, suggested by deep piano sounds, glissandos in the strings, etc. Each instrument in the ensemble is given its own personal identity and musical gestures. The vocal line is almost always syllabic (each syllable is given a tone), taking into account the word stress in the text. After an ominous introduction, the first verse is supported by an ostinato bass, above which free arabesque-like lines are played by the flute and clarinet. In the second verse, the dramatic character of the text is reflected by glissandos in the violins, supported by broken chords in the piano. This leads to a grand climax for the ensemble. In the third verse, the atmosphere changes; it becomes very introspective with multiphonics in the clarinet, muted strings in the piano and a metallic timbre in the strings. This leads to a great outburst in the soprano and the ensemble, followed by a quiet, static epilogue. ÉVOCATION (text by Albert Giraud) - free translation: O Madonna of Hysteria! Climb onto the altar of my verses, The fury of the sword through Your thin, withered breasts. Your aching wounds Seem like red eyes open: O Madonna of Hysteria! Climb onto the altar of my verses. With your long, impoverished hands Hold out to the incredulous universe Your Son, his limbs already green, His flesh sagging and rotten, O Madonna of Hysteria!