Top cellist Maya Fridman plays: Medusa by Saskia Venegas (including Cello Suite no1 Bach)

Medusa is a four-part cycle for cello, voice and electronics. It is a musical narrative for cello, voice and electronics about the hidden story behind Medusa’s abuse, transformation and rise. In Saskia Venegas’ version, Medusa is not beheaded, but she transforms her pain into wisdom. Her voice returns and is joined by those of her sisters, Medusa becomes a bright guiding light, she transforms into a Goddess.

We’ve all heard of the Greek mythological monstrous figure of Medusa, but what actually lies behind her story? Medusa’s transformation from a woman into a monster is a prime example of the horrors and wounds inflicted on rape victims. Medusa was once a beautiful protector of Athena’s temple. Her beauty attracted the attention of many men. Athena, out of anger, blamed Medusa and transformed her into a beastly Gorgona. Medusa not only lost her human features but also suffered the curse to turn anyone who would look into her eyes to stone.

Saskia Venegas wants to unveil the nightmare of women who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of sexual abuse. A disorder that alters the psyche of its victims, obscuring and concealing their original personality. The feeling of abandonment, of not being heard or seen, is thus relived by the victims. They are cast aside just like Medusa on the island.

We must dare to look into the eyes of Medusa and understand that it is the bird that petrifies us…and not the snake.