Gimnopedia Rapsodica, by Simone Spagnolo

Originally commissioned by the ensemble Les Muses de la Musique to complement a concert featuring Debussy's Chansons de Bilitis, Gimnopedia Rapsodica is scored for a wonderful and peculiar ensemble of piccolo, flute, two harps, celesta, and speaking voice.

Through a processional and sober pace, this composition wishes to evoke the ancient Greek dance of the gymnopedie. At the same time, its almost ceremonial composure is permeated by rhapsodic gestures, melodic echos and musical memories. Towards the end of the piece, almost like an immaterial thought, a distant, off-stage speaking voice contributes with verses drawn from Paul Valery's Dance and the Soul.

This piece can greatly complement a concert programme featuring fin-de-siècle, impressionist music, as well as contemporary works using unusual instrumental combinations.

The performance in this video took place at the Royal Naval College's Chapel in Greenwich, London, on 23rd March 2023.
Performes include: Faith Whiteley, piccolo; Mary Bull, flute; Cèlia Margalef Boquera, celesta; Clara Gatti Comini, harp; Maria McNamee, harp; Serena Braida, voice.