De Profundis (1992) by Frederic Rzewski 

 

Musical characteristics:

-'melodramatic oratorio' interchanging preludes with 8 sections of text

-pianist recites a text and makes sound effects -- whistling, slapping piano, sighing, etc.

-polystylistic music, drawing from a wide range of influences

-"The music demands a combination of virtuoso technique and a total lack of inhibition

     on stage, thus virtually guaranteeing that no mediocre or conventional performer

     will dare to go near it." - Rzewski

 

Political Inspiration:

-dedicated to theatre owner Luke Theodore who was doing a project on Oscar Wilde

-filmaker Larry Brose prompted the piece for a political film project 

-politics of sexuality -- based on Oscar Wilde's letter to Lord Alfred Douglas

     inprised for "gross indecency" 1895-1897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Moore performing, Merkin Hall, NYC, 2008                                   Rzewski professional live recording, Paris 2009