by Janet Oates
Just (a) walk was commissioned by Listenpony, and first performed at Listenpony #18, May 2019, by Jess Dandy.
Janet writes:
Just a walk portrays the anxiety that a simple action - such as walking to the end of the road - can invoke for some people. With both the mezzo and oud player vocalising and building up repetitive motifs, we feel the emotions swell, despite the singer’s attempt to ground and comfort herself.
I have recently been writing for voice with unusual instruments in my project Theorbo Today; my song ’The Wife and her Lover’ for soprano, theorbo and recorder can be seen here
Janet Oates janetoates.co.uk
Janet aims to get as many people singing, performing, writing and listening to contemporary music as possible, through her teaching, composing, project-leading and performances.
Jess Dandy jessdandycontralto.com
Shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in the category of Young Artist, Cumbrian contralto Jess Dandy has been praised for her instrument of velvety plangent timbre, and her artistic maturity of remarkable immediacy.
More commissions from Listenpony #18, May 2019
- Joss Smith: ))
- Aigerim Seilova: Besik Jyry
- Gareth Moorcraft: Dr. Flotsam (An Ode)
- William Marsey: Psalms 22 and 23