Aura

Bellamy, Mary

About the work

The piece takes Ben Nicholson’s 1932 painting as its inspiration. I attempt to reflect the textural interest of the picture through the use of two contrasting musical textures, one sustained, the other fragmentary and pointillistic.

Technical notes

Scored for 3 groups of instruments, 4 soloists, piano and percussion.

The piece is very delicate and quiet throughout. The challenge to the performer is to imbue single notes with beauty and expression.

Origin

Commissioned by CoMA for the Tate Liverpool project 2002