Hailing from Zululand, Priaulx Rainier was one of the most original composers of her generation. The rhythm, language, music and natural sounds of her homeland, the sounds of wild animals and bird calls were to prove the most important influences on her music.
Several of her songs and cycles (Cycle for Declamation, Dance of the Rain, Prayers from the Ark) were composed for and premiered by the tenor Peter Pears. Several of the pieces on the program will be North American premieres.
The last few years have begun to see a re-appraisal of Rainier’s work. While she is well-known in England and South Africa, North America has yet to discover most of her music. Erato Ensemble is proud to present and evening of her tour-de-force solo vocal works.
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