Curtis Stewart - Work Monologues i. "Futility"

string quartet, electronics | commissioned by IlluminArts | 2024 | 6’

Note from the composer:

In conversation with the experimental sculpture artist Alberto Checa, we reflected on the nature of work - its repetitive nature and its perceived Futility, especially for immigrants whose work can be incessant, promising - but yield disappointing aspiration results.  Alberto, in talks with his mother, reflects on the nature and passion behind supporting her family, making a life and finding meaning through work, while also feeling trapped in its throws.  Work Monologues was inspired by Alberto’s work with ice sculpture - recordings, capturing the sounds of his mother’s voice in vinyl record shaped ice, that melt and bend the original sound as they are played over and over - a poetic reference to our own experience and expression as we move through the work cycle.