On January 23rd in Austin, Texas, the choral ensemble Conspirare will premiere Sunstone, a new evening-length work by composer Joby Talbot. The piece, setting text by Mexican poet Octavio Paz in the original Spanish, marks a significant moment for both the ensemble and Talbot, whose choral compositions have captivated audiences for decades.
A Journey Through Poetry and Sound
Sunstone invites listeners and performers alike on a journey of infinite dimensions – a voyage whose course bends, advances, recedes, comes full circle and arrives forever,” according to Talbot. The work builds upon the success of his acclaimed 2005 choral piece, Path of Miracles, which was first commissioned and recorded by Nigel Short’s Tenebrae and later by Conspirare.
From Ballet to Choral Work
Talbot set approximately two-thirds of Paz’s epic poem for Sunstone. Interestingly, the composer initially encountered Paz’s work while searching for text for the final scene of his ballet, Like Water for Chocolate, based on the novel by Laura Esquivel. A revival of that ballet, conducted by Jonathan Lo, was presented by the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden in October of last year.
What is the significance of Octavio Paz’s poetry in Sunstone? The work utilizes text from the Nobel Laureate’s epic Spanish poem, offering a rich and evocative foundation for Talbot’s musical interpretation.
Talbot’s exploration of Paz’s poetry promises a deeply immersive experience, blending the power of choral music with the lyrical beauty of Spanish verse. The premiere in Austin is poised to be a landmark event for fans of contemporary choral music and poetry alike.
Piedra de Sol: More info & tickets
Find out more about the music of Joby Talbot:
The Ballet Music of Joby Talbot
The Orchestral Music of Joby Talbot
The Choral Music of Joby Talbot
