Violist Patricia McCarty performs Penelope’s Song

Violist  Patricia McCarty performs Penelope”s Song in the original version for amplified viola and electronics made from processing recordings of Charlottesville-based weaver Jan Russell at the beautiful Keene Arts Center in Keene, NY.   Penelope”s Song was inspired by the Odyssey, but focuses on Penelope, Queen of Ithaca, left to fend off would-be suitors and manage as best she could while Ulysses fought in the Trojan War and was then waylaid for another decade after evoking the wrath of Poseidon. She used craft and fortitude that is barely touched on in the telling of the story, and I wanted to respond by focusing on the telling of her weaving by day and unravelling by night as she staved of suitors who would be king. You will find more info here.  Other versions of Penelope”s Song, are also available, as are recordings of the versions for flute, soprano sax and clarinet.