“Shells”

Knut Nystedt's "Shells" makes a delightful treat for a small women's ensemble. Contrasting the finite world of humanity with shells as symbols of eternity, it launches performers and listeners on a sonic journey that evokes the mysteries of the ocean floor. Contrast is the most striking characteristic of "Shells." It juxtaposes loudness against softness, spoken phrases against sung phrases, three rhythms against two rhythms, ostinatos in thirds against a melody doubled at the octave, unison singing against a fugal ostinato accompaniment, chordal accompaniment against melody, and tone clusters against melody. The extremes of vocal range are explored, from a low Eb for second altos to a high Bb for sopranos. The resonant ostinatos never seem monotonous and contrast with the three-against-two rhythms, thus providing an exercise in developing independence between sections. The students learn how to produce a variety of vocal effects, from pure lyricism to whispering and glissandos. A variety of textures and timbres is achieved through contrasting vocal colors, extreme pitches, alternation of accompaniment and melodic functions, and unusual rhythms. The notation of the whispering, glissandos, and fugal ostinatos also sharpens students' visual perception and makes them more aware of their responsibility to interpret a composer's ideas faithfully. "Shells" can be programed as a multimedia work by inviting the biology teacher to share her collection of shells, reading the lyrics through with the performers to glean the beauty of the poetry, and finally rewarding the audience with an exquisite sound experience.-Sr. Joan M. Whittemore, Choral Director, St. Joseph's Academy, St. Louis