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MVSICA MVNDI |
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CARCAS'S THE LADIES' DEFENCE
The Ladies' Defence, by Gillian Carcas, is a setting of 18th century women's verse, for mezzo-soprano, cello, and harpsichord. It was commissioned by Musica Mundi for a Purcell centenary year concert. The poems reflect in forceful language on the position of women in 18th century society, and the composer has focused on the declamation of these powerful texts.
The piece fuses modern and 18th century musical techniques; the effect is to underline the similarities between the position of women in the 18th century, as revealed in the text, and their position today.