Metamorphosis & music
A playlist curated by Francesco Fusaro for the group show Chrysalis: The Butterfly Dream
The music selection curated for the exhibition is divided into four categories, each representing a different interpretation of the concept of metamorphosis in music: Metamorphosis as Technical Procedure, Metamorphosis as Input/Output, Metamorphosis as Cultural Reference, and Metamorphosis as Foundational Myth.
As a technical procedure, metamorphosis involves modifying a musical motif through techniques such as permutation, augmentation, diminution, and fragmentation. In Greek and Roman myths, music can either cause or be the result of metamorphosis. The myths of the Cicadas and Syrinx illustrate the connection between humans and the nonhuman world and how music can be an agent of transformation. In modern compositions inspired by these myths, similar elements are often incorporated into the content and structure of the music.
You can also listen to this playlist during your visit of Chrysalis, on the 4th floor of the Centre d’Art Contemporain Genève.
PLAYLIST
Claude Debussy, Bertrand Chamayou – Syrinx, L. 129
Krzysztof Penderecki, Anne-Sophie Mutter, London Symphony Orchestra – Metamorphosen,
Konzert für Violine und Orchester Nr. 2: I. Allegro ma non troppo
María Elena Walsh – Como la cigarra
Paul Hindemith, San Francisco Symphony, Herbert Blomstedt – Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes by Carl Maria von Weber: III. Andantino
Rufus Wainwright, Amsterdam Sinfonietta – Arachne
Carl Nielsen, Esa-Pekka Salonen – Pan & Syrinx, Op. 49, FS 87
Cocteau Twins – Mud And Dark
Drexciya – Birth of New Life
Genesis – The Fountain Of Salmacis
Nathan Sherwood Liang – Hippomenes’ Theme
Benjamin Britten, François Leleux – Six Metamorphoses after Ovid for Solo Oboe, Op. 49: III. Niobe (Andante)
Hughes Cuenod, Claude Jean Chiasson – Diane et Actéon
Aulites – A Piece of Aristophane’s “Birds”
Marco da Gagliano, Camerata Academica, Jürgen Jürgens – La Dafne: I. Sinfonia
Maurice Ravel, Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire, Pascal Rophé – Myrrha, M. 29: Prélude
Ottorino Respighi, Faridah Schäfer-Subrata, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra – Aretusa
Thea Musgrave, Lisa-Maree Amos – Narcissus
Philip Glass, Bruce Brubaker – Metamorphosis 1
Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset, Cyril Auvity – Acis et Galatée, LWV 73, Acte premier. Scène 1: Prélude. “C’est en vain qu’en ces lieux” (Acis)
Jean-Marie Leclair, Les Nouveaux Caractères, Sébastien d’Hérin – Scylla & Glaucus, Op. 11: Ouverture
George Frideric Handel, Leontyne Price, Henry Lewis – Semele, Act II: “Where’er You Walk”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Arleen Auger, Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, Leopold Hager – Apollo et Hyacinthus, K.38 / Act 2: No.4. Aria “Laetari, iocari”