Richard Vella    composer

The word 'enchantment' has many connotations, all of which can generally be defined as being charmed or captivated. The Enchantments for Piano are based on some of the interpretations of the word enchantment.  To enchant literally means to sing someone to be under a spell.  Etymology:  ... from in- "upon, into" (from PIE root *en "in") + cantare "to sing" (from PIE root *kan- "to sing").

'Incantation' takes the perspective of the enchanter singing into the cosmos while 'Spellbound', with its momentary oblique allusions to the song by Screamin' Jay Hawkins I put a spell on you, refers to the enchanter and enchanted, both caught up in a state of captivation.

'Rapture' recontextialises various rhapsodic gestures that can be linked to musical Romanticism and Impressionism. Here a sense of surrender and wonder is evoked.

 

'Hommage' celebrates some mid twentieth century music composition textures, harmonies and gestures used by three 20th century composers: Anton Webern (1883-1945), Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928-2007) and Stefan Wolpe (1902-1972).

'Charisma' explores the euphoria of being captivated. However, on the other side of enchantment is disenchantment which unexpectedly usurps the state of euphoria. Once the rupture of disenchantment intervenes, a reconciliation emerges with its ambivalent containment of enchantment and disenchantment.