related works
Dancing to an Orange Drummer : Version for orchestra / Vanessa Lann
Genre:
Orchestra
Subgenre:
Orchestra
Scoring:
3fl 2ob eh 3cl 2fg 4h 2trp 2trb trb-b tb 3perc hp pf str
A crossing place : for mezzo-soprano and instrumental ensemble, 1989 / Frank de Munnik
Genre:
Vocal music
Subgenre:
Voice and large ensemble
Scoring:
sopr-m 1121 1110 perc hp pf vl vla vc cb
Genre:
Vocal music
Subgenre:
Voice and large ensemble; Multimedia and singing voice(s) with or without instrument(s)
Scoring:
recit 1111 1210 perc pf(cel) 2vl vla vc cb tape
Rasenmäher : for large jazz orchestra and voice / Renard A. Aust, lyrics by Markus Berges
Genre:
Vocal music
Subgenre:
Voice and large ensemble
Scoring:
zang sax-s 2sax-a 2sax-t sax-bar fg 5trp 4trb trb-b tb 2perc g-s pf db
composition
Stap verder : for female voice, tapdancer and big band / Vanessa Lann; text by Emma Lazarus
Other authors:
Lazarus, Emma
(Text writer/Librettist)
Lann, Vanessa
(Composer)
Description:
The African hocket technique of ‘one player, one note’ was the
inspiration and structural basis for Stap verder. In the ensemble music of many African communities each instrument produces only one tone. Each musician is responsible for voicing that tone, and only that tone, using the unique sound and character of his or her instrument. This reflects how the role of the individual in these societies is perceived. The Ngumi proverb ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ means that an individual ‘exists’ only through contact with other persons in the community. Similarly, in this type of music (just as in Stap verder) a melody becomes discernible only when each player grows aware of the contribution of every other player. However simple, each person’s musical gesture is significant; without the participation of each member of the group, no music can happen.
Emma Lazarus’ immortal text (engraved on the Statue of Liberty in NY) – “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses…” – also mirrors the belief that a society cannot successfully exist without recognizing the voice of even the smallest individual.
Vanessa Lann (October 2016)