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Somna M. Bulist explores the notions of symbol and archetype with the strangely phosphorescent "Valentine Stigmata". The three-part, dark-wave opera melds electro-acoustic harp, ethereal soprano vocals and electronic sound into a haunting journey fueled by music inspired by ceremonial Qabalist chant. "Valentine Stigmata" is a musical meditation that follows the rituals of the Qabalistic Cross, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the exercise of the Middle Pillar. The exercises are rooted in the spiritual practices of the 19th century society of western mysticism, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The music is inspired by Thom Parrott's "The Musical Qabalah" where he assigned tone values to the Divine Names spoken in the rituals. Aspects of similar banishing intentions found in ancient Chinese mythology of the creatrix goddess Nu Kwa were influencial in the writing of the "Archangelic Invocations". (tracks 3-6) Music by Somna M. Bulist Based on Thom Parrott's "The Musical Qabalah" Soprano, Lillian deNile Harp and Organ, Somna M. Bulist Mastered into ~suite form by Soy SOS. "Valentine Stigmata" was presented at the 2001 Philadelphia Fringe Festival featuring Lillian deNile as the soprano. Also featured on this disc are two remixes, by Soy SOS and Schone Maschine and a cover of Bauhaus' "Stigmata Martyr". About the Artist/Composer: Somna M. Bulist is a harpist and composer. Her music combines elements of composed music with improvisation, electro-acoustic processing and extended harp techniques in a very personal expression. At once epic and intimate, her work is infused with references to Celtic folklore, the occult and aspects of urban subculture. Ms. Bulist performs original music as well as classical and contemporary harp repertoire in electro-acoustic and acoustic settings. Her programmatic works involve operatic vocals, electronic sound processing, installation art works, and elaborate costuming. Ms. Bulist has been presented by the New York International Fringe Festival, Philadelphia Fringe Festival, First Night Pittsburgh, Endless Night Productions, Night-Sky Productions, and others. Ms. Bulist made her first public appearance at the 1998 Philadelphia Fringe Festival, where she performed her original work for solo harp, "The FAERYE Invocations", and, in the same year, a selection of the pieces were released on her debut CD, "Invocations FAERYE". She premiered her situational work in tribute to the millennium, "44 minutes on the flatline_A Cry for the Millennium", at the 1999 New York International Fringe Festival, a production of The Present Company. In 2001, her third Philadelphia Fringe Festival presentation, Bulist performed her dark wave opera, "Valentine Stigmata" featuring Lillian deNile as the soprano. Ms. Bulist has actively participated in on-line performance events. The entry of her experimental electronic work, "BREATH" to Ars Electronica 2001 led to an invitation to participate in Gegenort-The Virtual Mine, a forum and virtual exhibition that was presented during August and September 2001 in Neunkirchen, Germany. Check out the artist's website: http://www.somna.net Track List: 1. The Cross 2. Indovine 3. Invocation to Raphael 4. Invocation to Gabriel 5. Invocation to Michael 6. Invocation to Auriel 7. Breath/middle Pillar 8. Invocation to Raphael (Soy Sos Mix) 9. Cry to Heaven (Schone Maschine Collage Mix) 10. Stigmata Martyr Other Genres: |