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Flight of the Angel (Behind the Mask)

$12.00

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Lauren Scott’s original composition Flight of the Angel (Behind the Mask) is for solo pedal harp. Inspired by the Venetian Carnival’s spectacular “Volo dell’Angelo,” the work “captures the angel’s graceful flight, the hidden emotions behind masked revelry, and a final soaring celebration of joy,” says the composer. Scroll down for additional notes.

This piece is available as a PDF download for $12.00.

Pages to print: 13 pgs.

Duration: 7:00.

Note: this piece is formatted for A4 paper size. Use the settings in your printer dialog box to get the best fit for your paper size.

Description

Note from the composer

The Venetian Carnival traditionally opens with the spectacular “Volo dell’Angelo,” in which a chosen young woman, dressed as an angel and masked, descends on a zip-wire from the top of St. Mark’s Campanile into the piazza below, marking the official start of the festivities.

The piece begins by evoking that moment of flight—light, aerial, and touched with the elegance of French harp writing. It then moves into three variations titled “Behind the Mask,” exploring the contrasting emotions the mask made possible.
Variation 1: Formality—a stately Renaissance-style dance
Variation 2: Desire—the hidden passion of anonymous encounters
Variation 3: Liberation—the freedom to cast aside social restraint

A final section, “Flying with Joy,” brings the work to an exuberant close, as if the angel soars once more above the piazza. Written for Alexander Rider, who gave the premiere at the Three Palaces Festival, Malta, in November 2024.