Tuesday, 21 August 2012

'Songs of Lear', Song of the Goat, Summerhall, Wed 15th Aug 12, review by Rosie Cross, Highlights

Review
Highly sophisticated  music pieces illustrating different episodes from “King Lear”.   Demanded prior (fairly in depth) knowledge of Shakespeare’s play I think.  I felt sorry for the performers in such a hot, unventilated space.  The singing was intense and passionate.  The ‘Cordelia’ character singing through tears of anguish and pain.   I loved the percussion bits (feet, chairs and 9 semi-tuned drum head ‘discs’, played by one musician and held by the other 9 performers)  Also appreciated the over-tone singing.  Not too sure about the rather mannered hand movements.    I also enjoyed the more visceral Polish throat singing (remembering Dautenis, the IVOC Polish group’s singing).  
The musical/artistic Director’s presence was very strong – from the side of the performance area. He  gave an introductory talk, explaining that the audience should think of the pieces as pictures painted in music .  He then gave a literary context most of the pieces.  


Why is the work suitable or not suitable / ready for rural touring ?
Not suitable , because  I think it would be too expensive  (10 performers plus Director (I bet anything they don’t go anywhere without him!! )   and technician?
Why would you book them ?  or  Why wouldn’t you book them ?
No, because it would be more suited to a Contemporary Music Festival.   
Why would it be worth pursuing this company to consider work in the future? Or not  ?
See above comments.   Also not sure how much time  the company spends in the UK.

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