35 Mescals in Cuautla

Gene Young's 'Thirty-Five Mescals In Cuautla' is a setting of Malcolm Lowry's (1909-1957) autobiographical verse that is derived from his towering novel, 'Under The Volcano' (1947).  All the performers are severely challenged technically and pushed to emotional extremes in this often violent, often desolate musical landscape.
 The text is delivered by a female voice, at once declamatory and revealing. Trills, glissandi, extended range, and extreme dynamics elicit a nightmarish depiction of a tormented, alcoholic mind. The virtuosic trumpet part serves as counterpoint to Lowry's horrific vision. Metallic percussion underline the harsh, hallucinatory images found in the drink-infused perception of an addict.
As Death descends upon the poet, an ancient Aztec legend is relayed as the trumpet renders a mournful Mexican folk song off stage. The song tells of a vision referred to as 'The Weeping Woman', seen at day break and purportedly warning of impending tragedy.
Gene Young, February 2015, Coventry, CT, USA

Texte spécial pour sa mémoire (demandé par sa femme: Lydia Seifter- [email protected]):
'35 Mescals in Cuautla' by Gene Young (written for soprano, trumpet, and percussion, with texts by Malcolm Lowry) came to be included in our catalogue at the recommendation of Tom Stevens.
Stevens, for many years the well-known principal trumpet player of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was my friend and consultant for the US development of Editions Bim.
The lengthy and precise publishing process was indeed the ideal key to discovering Gene Young's musical talent; his care for detail appears strongly in this dramatic and expressive work.
'35 Mescals in Cuautla' is a great work which has its place in today's chamber music programs.
Jean-Pierre Mathez, Editions Bim, Switzerland
https://www.editions-bim.com/sheet-music/chamber-music/mixed-scorings/mixed-trio/gene-young-35-mescals-in-cuautla-for-soprano-voice-trumpet-and-percussion