song for mezzo-soprano and piano

Inspired by the recitativo arioso (a quasi lyrical expressive recitative), the song and lyrics have been taken from an earlier work, which Lydia wrote when she was 18. It tells the story of a child lying by its mother’s lifeless body and how even in death, a mother’s protective bond with her child cannot be broken. The recitative, representing despair and danger, is in contrast to the arioso’s two themes: the first, presented on the piano, is lyrical and flowing, whilst the second is lullaby-like, representing hope and love.  Recitativo Arioso has in recent years been adapted for string quartet, to which a set of variations has been added.  This adaptation is included in an earlier Divine Art recording (“Concertato” – dda 25149).