The work explores the necessity of putting into words experiences that are beyond words, or where words have been suppressed, stemming from conversations between the composer, librettist, and vocalist about profound life events.
Interpretation
In performance, Valeria Vasilevski's staging incorporates mudras, which are formal hand gestures from Buddhist art, to illuminate the text.
Performer Biography
Kristin Norderval, the soprano on this album, specializes in developing new works for voice, cross-disciplinary work, and pieces using interactive technology.
Cultural Impact
Composer Frances White's music was featured in the soundtracks of three award-winning films by Gus Van Sant: "Elephant," "Paranoid Park," and "Milk."
Composer Biography
Frances White, the composer, studies the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) and finds that its traditional music influences her work.
Composition History
This album, "She Lost Her Voice, That's How We Knew," is a theatrical work for soprano and electronic sound, composed by Frances White and with a libretto by Valeria Vasilevski.
Compositional Technique
The entire electronic score for "She Lost Her Voice, That's How We Knew" is based on the 'fingerprint' of soprano Kristin Norderval's voice.
