We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

GIOVANNI PIACENTINI: Preludio de un Diamante (2014​)​, I. Apenas

from Lieder​/​Canciones by sTem

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1.50 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    CD comes housed in a 6 panel, stylish eco wallet with original album art by Esme Jackson.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Lieder/Canciones via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 10 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $15 USD or more 

     

about

It is a very satisfactory and, unfortunately, not a very common occurrence, to have a piece of music come together so naturally and swiftly. This piece, “Preludio de Un Diamante” commissioned by the sTem trio, is an example of this joyous phenomena. As soon as I thought of the adequate text to set to music, the vision of a work by, not only a living author but also a young one, seemed like a fresh response to an already saturated repertoire of classic literature.

Alzati’s poetry is raw, vivid and full of muscle. I looked for a way to highlight these traits by contrasting the heavy text with a light yet harmonically haunting accompaniment. The strong and at times psychedelic imagery suggested by all three movements are injected into the audience by the voice, echoed by the shadow and ethereal presence of the clarinet and embraced by the piano. The personal nature of the lyric and the “in your face” attitude it projects, called for a less active, more textural canvas where the “loud” words could be engraved on.

- Giovanni Piacentini

lyrics

I. Apenas (Barely)

We were barely
A scream,
interrupting
the densest of darkness
a scream
generous in its violence
brilliant
virulent, fragile
fierce confetti
We were barely
The edge of a footprint
The lining of a sea star,
A tiny eyelash
in an abandoned lot barely,
the prelude of a diamond,
rainbow of oil spilt on the pavement,
a defying squeal, an alibi, a stagger
barely.

credits

from Lieder​/​Canciones, released September 1, 2016
Text by Fausto Alzati

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

sTem image

sTem New York, New York

sTem champions the aural and theatrical possibilities of vocal chamber music through dramatic performances, innovative commissions, and community outreach.

contact / help

Contact sTem

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like sTem, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now