Corpórea

Body and mind, matter and soul, reason and intuition: The mystery of life as we know it may rely on the continuous existence of such contrary paired components that struggle to prevail, to dominate. They are different in nature and yet, depend on one another to exist. The friction between such opposites provokes an ongoing synergy, an endless movement and energy that might very well be not only the foundation of our sui generis human existence, but also the platform from which our emotional condition emerges as unique.

Our physical constitution is clearly bisectional: two eyes, two arms, two hands, two lungs… all connected to a central system governed by one heart, one head, one mind.

Corpórea describes an imaginary oscillation between our material existence and our most spiritual (not to mention mental) condition. Such oscillations are at times transitional, at times confrontational, generating a contrasting musical discourse that is abstract in nature but nevertheless seductively evocative, creating characteristic layers of musical significance.

This piece interweaves sonic atmospheres that are idealistic and spiritual. I. Air, III. Intangible, arising adagio), with the most rhythmic, primitive, and earthly aspects of life II. Breathing dance, IV. Ritual mind-corporoeous pulse). Therefore, the composer deliberately balances the predominance of either body or mind metaphors—representations of reason and intuition.

Corpórea is dedicated to the Mexican diplomat Gilberto Bosques Saldívar (1 892-1 995), who served as Consul of Mexico in Marseilles during the Civil War of Spain (1936-39) and during the Second World War. He saved hundreds of Jews and Spanish Republican exiles from being deported to the Nazi regime or the Spain dictatorship, at risk to his own life and strategic position as a diplomat. His heroism and legacy sadly remain unknown to the world.

Notes: © Alejandro Escuer 2014