WOODEN WOMAN (2020)

Music and lyrics for Part 1 by Ayanna Witter-Johnson / arr. Burtzos

Part 2 composed by Alex Burtzos

For singer/cellist with large chamber ensemble (Fl, Cl, Pno, Synth, Electric Guitar, Perc, Strings)

Duration ca. 12:00 (Part 1 - 5:30 / Part 2 - 6:30)

PROGRAM NOTES

In two movements:

  1. Part 1

  2. Part 2

Wooden Woman was created as part of a collaboration with London-based singer/songwriter Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Part 1 of the piece is an arrangement of one of Ayanna’s songs - a lush, quasi-orchestral realization that highlights the lyrics’ spaciousness and emphasis on the natural world. Part 2 is a concert composition responding to the same song, its atmosphere more intense and ritualistic. The piece as a whole was designed to take advantage of Ayanna’s unique performance practice (she sings while playing the cello), but could also be performed by two separate people sharing Ayanna’s role.

Commissioned by ICEBERG New Music. Premiered by Ayanna Witter-Johnson and ShoutHouse at the Church of the Advent Hope, NYC (May 2021).

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