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 The recording here was made shortly afterwards, mixing the live part with the two backing CD's originally made for the dance.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