Dog = God with interactive performance piece

Tristan

When I visited my cousin Will Self's writing den, the walls were surrounded with stick-it notes. 

One stuck out for personal reasons 

Opera = Orgasm. 

But I have an even better one, which you may have heard before. 

Dog = God 

And yes God is Dog spelled backwards! 

When I made my career shift from opera singer to composer ten years ago, our prize cat Leo was approaching his life's conclusion. It felt impossible to replace him so I suggested a dog to keep me company as I composed. Rachmaninoff had a dog called Racky. I know this because my maternal grandmother's first husband was the pianist Benno Moiseiwitsch and he premièred the second piano concerto which was forged under the guidance of Racky.

The animal spirit of a dog is unchallengeably the most glorious colleague in life. He will love and nurture you whatever the circumstances. He will lay his head on your feet or snuggle up to you head in the middle of the night. He is your best buddy come what may. When my arms are around him I am safe from difficult thoughts and the terrors of the World. His healing comes at no cost, his love is sublime.

Susie and Tristan on the water

Our Tristan is a performer, a swimmer, a singer, a showman, a dog outraged at CATs.

 

He is unanimously friendly to everyone.

Relax now and perform with him in

 

TRISTAN SINGS

https://youtu.be/HJaKxyHTlbE

For performer(s) and Soundscape

Composed by Susannah Self

Commissioned by Andy Ingamells

Purpose of The Piece:

 

The act of howling provides a cathartic release through long doleful cries which facilitate a disintegration of pent up feelings. Tristan Sings is a response to anxious emotions. Outcomes could include a calmer mind. 

Tristan Magnus Christie is a 9-year-old border terrier. His research involves sniffing out prey, eating, running with horses on the beach and howling. Tristan is sustained by a raw food diet proved by

 https://honeysrealdogfood.com 

His daily practice of interactive howling with Dr Self was initiated from an early age. Tristan Sings is inspired by John Cage with whom Dr Self worked in the Rocky Mountains in Canada.