(speak to me)
is a three-part dramatization of the Echo and Narcissus myth. In the first movement (Deceit), we get a very real sense of how the charismatic and fast-talking Echo spins one of her animated stories; we, her captive audience, are left bewildered while trying to keep up. In the second movement (Curse), the pianist vocally portrays two characters at once - the terrified Echo (high breathy sounds) and the vengeful Juno (deep notes) - as Juno casts the spell which leaves Echo without the ability to speak. The first two movements feature both piano and the pianist's voice, but the last movement (Longing) is for piano alone - reflecting Echo's forced silence as she wanders the empty forest alone. The last movement is woven out of musical material featured in the first two movements - especially the pitches assigned to the words "Can you hear in my voice?" Played over and over those pitches form a motive that yearns for a way to reach out and be heard. (ABK September 2011)

Text for Movement II by Mariko Nagai (Movement I text and gibberish by the composer).