Life Before Birth

This is lovely music for dance, and it develops in a delightful way.

Composer Howard Skempton
Photo by Massimo Sartirana

After having successfully collaborated with dancer/choreographer Sarah Whatley on two previous projects (Pretended Flight, 1992 op.24 and Sisters Fayre, 1992 op.25) I was invited to work with her on a piece for her new dance company Suits U2. 'Caught Up' was commissioned with funds from West Midland Arts, which allowed me the luxury of employing a musician to perform live on the cello, while supporting textures (made from sampled cello) were triggered to coincide with cues from the dance. The first performance took place at Coventry University in March 1996 with Bob Davey taking the solo cello part. The work was later adapted and scored for concert performance, with the new title 'Life Before Birth'. The recording here was made shortly afterwards, mixing the live part with the two backing CD's originally made for the dance.

Cover photo: Massimo Sartirana

Christopher Best Life Before Birth (1995) sample
How to purchase 

Study/performer's score available for FREE DOWNLOAD (limited period only). For backing tracks please contact me via the Contacts page.

Published 
1995
Opus 
32
Duration 
c.26 mins
Music for dance
Instrumentation 
Cello, Two backing tracks (operated and diffused in performance)
Listen 

Christopher Best; Life Before Birth by Chrisbestmusic

Performed by Bob Davey (cello)
First performance 
As music to the contemporary dance piece ‘Caught Up’. Cellist: Bob Davey. Choreographer: Sarah Whatley. Dancers: Suits U2 Dance Co. Coventry University, March 1996.
Commissioned by 
Funded by