Sink into just over 20 minutes of extremely minimal interweaving ever changing live-looping singing. Audio stress relief pretty much guaranteed. Etusta Que Alebe, NaMuse A Ma Se Na Ma Se A Mus Alebe Que Alebe.
Etusta was originally written for a play about Joan of Arc ‘Gilles et Jeanne’ by Donald Reid for 3 singers on stage. and therefore the quasi french/latin nonsensical words alluding to religious music of the time, but breaking all the conventional rules. It was composed like a simple round, with 3 phrases, but each singer has their version of the melody. It has endured many years of play, i imagine i have sung this piece for at least a week if i put all my performances of it end to end.
I have the original score, which was for 3 singers on stage (1992)
and a development which is not dissimilar from this recording (2007)
The track follows the shape of the 3 part round with developing harmonic extensions. At approx 13 minutes the track dissolves, becomes more simple… following less of the original melody lines… although they are still there, then 17 minutes to end become even more diffuse and the track reaches a very slow and simple harmonic progression, holding the original shape of the harmony, gently simplifying and calming towards the end with longer notes and less ornamental lines.
Here are 2 reviews of its’ first performance in ‘Gilles et Jeanne’ a semi-fictional play by Donald Reid about Joan of Arc and Gilles De Rais in 1992 in the Edinburgh Fringe.
Reviews of the original show ‘Gilles et Jeanne’ staged in 1992 Fringe Festival.
