Blush

Julio Monterrey (E)

Blush is a setting of an evocative text written by Julio Monterrey. Narrating the tormented mind of a wandering lone gypsy, the story depicts a maze of thoughts engulfed by one lingering emotion—an abyss of love and pain. This spiraling world is translated into a sonic environment through a layering of low acoustic instruments, baritone, and live electronics. Blush was commissioned by Carnegie Hall for a Professional Training Workshop with Dawn Upshaw and Osvaldo Golijov, and was premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2007 with conductor Alan Pierson.

Blush
—  Julio Monterrey

A sickness I endure.
Willingly infected.

Hearts armored all fall.
Scattered crescendos.

Serene and tender nights.
Choruses bludgeon.

Naked over pulpous earth.
Extinguishing flesh.

Bosoms offered in sequence.
Beating loins.

Sleep; so fickle
In and out

A fading church bell
Moving slowly.

Double Helix altered.
Cold caress.

A gypsy weeps in tune.

Crashing spheres

The prize is won.
Burnt and raw.

An effigy is born.
Blue and Green

Visits to sepulchers
Emotional demolition

Sprawled in satin
She left an open wound

— Anna Clyne

Reproduction Rights:
This program note may be reproduced free of charge in concert programs with a credit to the composer.

“Soothing and sensuous major ninths yield sensual bliss. Piercing highs, some live and some like electronic feedback noise, bring on the pain. Again, the music is essentially tonal, and again, it sounds intuitive and collaged. And again, the emotional force never relents. That force, rather than some clear formal plan, is the backbone of this music. Or maybe I should say its beating heart.” —Thirdcoast Digest