H88 Marsyas-Apollo (2019)
First performed on 1 November 2022 at School of Music, Cardiff University, Wales, by Stephen Upshaw (Viola) and Richard Uttley (Piano).
Instrumentation: Viola and Piano
Duration: 22’
Programme note:
ʻMarsyas-Apolloʼ, for viola and piano, is influenced by the myth surrounding the satyr, Marsyas, who challenged the god Apollo to a musical contest or agon. Apollo playing the lyre defeated Marsyas playing the aulos. The satyr was summarily punished for considering himself more musical than an Olympian god and thus was skinned alive. The piece lasts approximately 21 minutes and is in four continuous sections: 1] satyr (enter Marsyas); 2] hubris (which includes enter Apollo); 3] agon and 4] flay. It was written in 201 9 for the violist, Stephen Upshaw and the pianist, Richard Uttley. ʻMarsyas-Apolloʼ is dedicated to ʻDavid Charlton in friendship and with thanksʼ.
SH
13 July 2022