Work
Full Fathom Five
for SSA choir and string quartet
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About
Two versions exist of this work. Much of the vocal material is exactly the same - but the later version has developed and extended the final section.
In the original version Full Fathom Five (2001) is a work for three vocal parts with a digital soundscape. The generated sounds capture a watery submerged feeling as suggested in the text. The backing soundscape was created using an early version of the programme "Absynth" - much of the connection between the vocal lines and the backing was much a happy accident - the soaring sax-like solo is an example of this.
The later version (2007) retains and expands the vocal parts and has been scored for string quartet, replacing the digital soundscape. The string quartet carries through the hazy underwater atmosphere described in Shakespeare's famous words from his play The Tempest.
The new version was revised and first performed to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Epsom Girls' Grammar School, where the composer currently teaches music. She continues a long and proud tradition of composers who have taught in the Epsom Girls' Music Department - Dorothea Franchi, Martyn Heath, and David Hamilton.
Jeni Little
Text note
From 'The Tempest' by Shakespeare
Performance history
30 Mar 2007: Performed by the Adora Voce - Epsom Girls' Grammar School at Raye Freedman Arts Centre