Description
Minerva Scientifica – The Franklin Effect
Released October 2016
This is a set of variations for vocal quartet, focusing on the work of DNA scientist ROSALIND FRANKLIN (1920-1958) at King’s College, London and her inspiration through four of the College’s current female scientists in collaboration with four composers – FRANCES-HOAD, WHITLEY, THOMPSON & PLOWMAN. The pieces were premiered at The Arts & Humanities Festival – Fabrication, at King’s College, London in October 2015, recorded early June 2016, and released in October 2016.
1. Cheryl FRANCES-HOAD (with Professor Elizabeth Kuipers): ‘Photo 51’
2. Lynne PLOWMAN (with Dr. Claire Sharpe): ‘K-Ras’
3. Dr. Shirley J. THOMPSON (with Professor Ellen Solomon): ‘The Machinery of Replication’ & ‘Random Sequences’
4. Kate WHITLEY (with Professor Mairi Sakellariadou): ‘Theories of Quantum Gravity’
Electric Voice Theatre Quartet:
Frances M. Lynch soprano (Artistic Director)
Penny Desbruslais soprano
David Sheppard counter-tenor
Julian Stocker tenor
Press Quotes
“Four scientists met with four composers and four singers to create the works on this excellently-performed, mind-stretching disc…all the composers have brought imagination to their works, and there are fascinating sounds aplenty, from unusual vocalisations to barbershop nonchalance, traditional Bulgarian singing and cool Medieval beauty” (**** BBC Music Magazine)
“Electric Voice Theatre’s wonderfully manicured sound, ultra-clear enunciation of the texts…and marvellously dramatic delivery of texts and music are wholly winning…the myriad styles and resonances in the music are delivered with aplomb…required listening for oh, so many reasons!” (Gramophone)