Melia Watras

MELIA WATRAS: HERTABUISE
for narrator and violin
or for violin solo (2021)

World Premiere: Herbert Woodward Martin, recorded voice; Michael Jinsoo Lim, violin; April 11, 2022, Seattle, WA

Duration: 3:18

Program Notes:
Hertabuise is part of my continued work with poet and friend Herbert Woodward Martin. I had previously showcased his poems in two forms: setting his words in a quasi-sprechstimme style in 5 Poems of Herbert Woodward Martin, and as inspiration for sound worlds in A brazen butterfly alights. I asked Herb if he was interested in a new collaboration, this time with him reading to a single violin, played by Michael Jinsoo Lim. Among the writings he sent, he highlighted Hertabuise. The African, which deeply moved me. In the end, I decided on two versions for Hertabuise: one with Herb’s exquisite words and one for violin alone.

Upon hearing the first performance Mike gave of the piece, Herb said, "I do wish I knew where Hertabuise was after all of these years. I simply wish she could hear Michael's playing. She might think he had a hand on the natural gifts of her life. Divine playing!”

—Melia Watras