Lucia
Ronchetti

Proust’s novel takes the form of an elaborate monolog, in which a man reminisces about a woman named Albertine, who has since died in an accident. In the course of his narration, as the man descends into the depths of his recollection, he increasingly becomes consumed by a kind of „posteriori“ jealousy.
The singer alternately assumes the roles of Albertine and the object of her desire, a young laundress. Vocally he also sets the scene, suggesting the two women’s erotic meeting by a lake in the French countryside, evoking the natural sounds of the secret landscape described by Proust.
With his low register's voice, the singer recites short excerpts from the novel, representing the fragmented voice of the male character in Proust’s narrative.
As male voice, he tries to make contact with Albertine - a contact which is impossible - and he attends the imaginary meeting of Albertine and the laundress, reflecting and analyzing his increasing pain.
The score utilizes a broad range of the possibilities of the sung and spoken voice, with the intent to delve into the realm of vocal sounds which are natural, voluntary and involuntary expressions and reactions to emotional conditions.