Bang on a Can

I once received a book of poetry from a fan in Prague after a concert. The book was written by the Czech poet Vera Chase, whose work tends toward feminism in my opinion. A few years later, I was searching for inspiration for my new music, and I found her poem "Elida." I was inspired by the provocative and somewhat erotic nature of the poem. Also, I feel there is some humor in the lyrics, which I always like.

No one has touched me like you so far
I haven't met that right one yet
With a look and scent that is pure through and through
No one equals your smoothness
Made out of bones and perfume
The purest one

Just you
Oh, so gently you, mine
May touch me
Almost
Inside

I thought about this person in the poem. Then, surprise! I remembered that my grandmother's favorite soap was called "Elida." Perhaps this poem is not written for a person after all. I have tried without success to contact Vera Chase to ask her if I am right. I think I am. It's fun to wonder.

The piece "Ladna Celadna" is a waltz inspired by trees. "Presto" is talk show of instruments.

The Bang on a Can All-Stars' collaboration with Iva Bittová and the commission of Elida was made possible with the generous support of the Multi-Arts Production Fund, a program of Creative Capital, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation.