“Prometheus” and the flame of knowledge are the theme of a new work for flute and voice written by composer and producer Rick Romano that will premiere in Turin (Italy) this Thursday, February 10th 2022 at Villa Parco della Tesoriera, Biblioteca A. Della Corte.
Based on an original text in English written by the composer and inspired by the text “Prometheus” by Goethe, the work deals with the theme of the conflict between the divine, religion, ignorance and knowledge, with Zeus – absolute and absent divinity – on the one hand, and Prometheus – here in the lines of the voice and in the counterpoint of the flute (his psyche and his soul) – on the other.
The piece opens with the wrath of Prometheus, exasperated by the behaviour of Zeus, a capricious and tyrannical deity, indifferent to the suffering of humanity. This initial lament turns into a cry of rage: “My children…” will say Prometheus referring to mankind, “…as deaf and blind, without any purpose they look up to the sky full of hope. If only they could see through the veil and know your true nature! If only they could see that they are chained and held in slavery!” referring to Zeus who takes pleasure in keeping mankind ignorant and a turning point in the piece that opens the second half of the work.
Here, Prometheus reveals his sacrifice. He stood against the supreme deity, and through his tribulation he gave all of humanity the creative fire of the arts and knowledge, and thus the chance to free themselves from divine tyranny. “Why should we worship and honour you supreme god of darkness?” Prometheus continues before reaching the final recitative, whereby the whispered and spoken voice, and rarefied lines of the flute, will manifest a transformed Prometheus, bearer of a prophecy, almost an esoteric evocation, for a new revealed life.
Rick Romano’s “Prometheus” will be performed by Laura Capretti (mezzo soprano) and Giulio De Felice (flute). The work is commissioned by Carla Rebora for ErreMusica 2021-22 concerts season, in collaboration with City of Turin and SIMC Società Italiana Musica Contemporanea (Italian Society for Contemporary Music).