houndstooth by Monica Pearce (Barbara Pritchard, piano) by MonicaPearce

Performed by Barbara Pritchard
Premiered on "Fantastic" by Musikon Concerts
Recorded by Bob Bauer

"houndstooth", a black and white duotone pattern that is characterized by its abstract four-pointed shapes, originated in Scotland as an outer garment for shepherds in the 19th Century. By the 1930s, however, it had morphed into a symbol of wealth by the upper class (particularly the British monarchy) and was adopted into use by prominent fashion designers of the day. By the 1960s, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel all contributed to bringing the pattern to women’s wear, and it became a distinctive pattern for a generation of women in the workplace.

Using the houndstooth pattern as inspiration, this solo work explores the concept, using the pattern as a starting point for harmonic material, and by considering the characteristics of houndstooth as guiding the tone of the piece - luxurious, bold, clear, and organized. In addition, there is a visual element - yards of houndstooth fabric on the floor of the stage.

"houndstooth" is the second in a set of a multiple-work piece based on the history and associations of various textiles/patterns. In each of these works, the textile or pattern is used both as inspiration (history, tone, physical characteristics) and as a physically present element, either visually or sonically.

"houndstooth" was written for and dedicated to Barbara Pritchard.