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Bernard Rands' "now again" — fragments from Sappho Premieres in Philadelphia

Nov. 01, 2006

The Network for New Music ensemble of Philadelphia will present the world premiere of Bernard Rands’ “now again”- fragments from Sappho on Sunday, November 12. Composed for mezzo-soprano and ten-piece ensemble, Rands draws from the work of Ancient Greek humanist poet Sappho. Rands has chosen excerpts from this poetry—sometimes no more than one-word fragments—and created a dialogue to be sung between the mezzo-soloist and two female voices in the ensemble. In describing his new composition, Rands explains:

“The work, though continuous, is in four sections separated by three brief instrumental interludes. The four sections suggest Invocation; Convocation; Consummation and Introspection. It might be thought of as a Cantata Erotica, though I will leave that to the minds of the listeners.”

Featuring Janice Felty as mezzo-soprano, the Network for New Music will include the piece in their wider program entitled “Fragments of Love” and will present two performances in Pennsylvania.  The ensemble will first present a preview of this program on Friday, November 10 at Haverford College. The official premiere performance will take place on Sunday, November 12 at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia.

“now again”- fragments from Sappho was commissioned by the Koussevitzky Music Foundations and the Network for New Music ensemble in Philadelphia.

For more information on Bernard Rands please visit www.schott-music.com

Learn more about the Network for New Music at www.networkfornewmusic.org

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