Davide Verotta - Flora - Amy Foote, soprano, Friction Quartet

A soft-spoken warning about global warming and the perils associated with the Anthropocene, Flora is inspired by two ancient texts about the goddess of spring. The first, by Ovid (Fasti, Book 5; written 8 C.E.), describes the origin and powers of Flora, and the second, a poem by Virgil (Hymn to Spring, Georgiche, Book 2; published 30 B.C.E.) celebrates the season of rebirth. In the narrative of the piece, the goddess appears in physical form to the poet, answers his question about her nature and powers, and warns about the silent spring that might be coming. Then, symbolized by a final section for string quartet, the apparition disappears.
Premiere Video, 19/1/2024, Sunset Arts and Music, San Francisco. Amy Foote, soprano; Otis Harriel, violin; Kevin Rogers, violin; Mitso Floor, viola; Doug Machiz, cello.
Video/Recording by Steve Mobia.
Text by Davide Verotta. Score and parts available at imslp.org/wiki/Category:Verot...