Robert Walker's Mele Livida is a setting for choir of 18 poems by the ancient Roman poet Catullus. The piece lasts about 40 minutes and can be performed in various version : two pianos with or without percussion, or orchestra. There are no solo parts. The piece was first performed by the East London Chorus in 1998 (?). I took part in the second performance in Oxford in March 2001 with the Oxford Bach Choir.

Robert Walker spent time in Bali and uses balinese rhythms and harmonies throughout. Some of the choir found the work hard going. It would be better to perform it with a chamber choir of 40 or so voices with good sight-reading ability. Also, some of the Latin poems are pretty obscene - this could be an issue.

We have collected together about 40 vocal scores and would be pleased to make them available to another choir who wanted to perform the work. There is also a non-commercial recording. Please get in touch with me if you are interested.

By Tim on Friday, July 06, 2001 - 08:16 am:

It would be great to hear from members of the East London chorus who gave the first performance of this work, and also from members of the Oxford Bach Choir. I know that some members of the OBC found the work unrewarding. I enjoyed it, and found the wacky rhythms an interesting challenge - even Nick Cleobury had problems conducting the choir in 3 when the pianos were playing in 4 (12/8).

By Tim on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 02:52 am:

A brief biography of Robert Walker is here