Date(s) - 19/08/2022 - 20/08/2022
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Zoë’s new work “Ondine” for cello and piano is given its first performance in Edinburgh by Timothy Gill (cello) and David Gompper (piano) as part of a lunchtime recital of new and trad rep at the Edinburgh Fringe. Here’s what she says about this new and ambitious work:
In spite of the daunting legacy of master works with the same title, by Debussy, Ravel and Henze to name just three, there was no question that this piece simply had to take the name of the water spirit, “Ondine”. Sitting by one of the many natural springs that gush from the rocks in the ancient woodlands near where I live, the fairy stories and myths surrounding elemental beings and water nymphs started to bubble up, like the sparkling water in front of me, from within.
Usually depicted as female, Ondines (or Undines) are said to be found in forest pools and waterfalls, their beautiful singing voices heard over the sound of the water. What a perfect metaphor for these two instruments, cello and piano, to explore! The music follows the journey of water from spring to waterfall to rapids to great river, the camera sometimes homing in on sparkling droplets and bubbles, always moving ineffably towards the great ocean in a relentless forward motion before finally evaporating into light. And then the cycle begins all over again…
A reflection of the yearning of the human soul to merge with a higher consciousness, always seeking perfection. And in these times of profound planetary upheaval and transformation, a reminder that no state is permanent, that all will pass.
2.30 – 3.30pm St Andrew’s and St George’s West. George St, Edinburgh