Description
Video
Robert Chumbley: Songs of the Siren, performed by Amy Catron (cello) and Sylvan Negruţiu (piano)
Duration
c.17 min
Premiere
November 1, 2020
Kaueper Hall, Millikin University School of Music
Decatur, IL
Amy Catron, cello
Silvan Negrutiu, piano
Kaueper Hall, Millikin University School of Music
Decatur, IL
Amy Catron, cello
Silvan Negrutiu, piano
Commissioner
Commissioned by the Millikin University
Instrumentation
cello, piano
Program Notes
This work was inspired by the legend of the Lorelei of the Rhine River in Germany. The voice of the woman, Lorelei, was a siren for sailors on the river; enticing them to their destinations or deaths. She sang from the edges and hilltops lining the river, and the sailors were captivated by her beauty and voice.
In my piece, the Lorelei is represented by the cello in her songs, in almost all melodic material. The river, and the sailors, are presented by the piano. Their interaction and ultimate fates lead to the culmination of the duet music.
‒ Robert Chumbley