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