PROGRAMME NOTE

 

The lozenge motif dates back as far as the Palaeolithic period in eastern europe. It has been used almost universally, as a symbol of fertility – both female and agricultural. The lozenge is one of the main female symbols in Berber carpets, as well as appearing in ancient classic element systems, in amulets, and in religious symbolism.

Today, diamonds in a suit of playing cards is in the shape of a lozenge.

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Lozenge was written for Elisabeth Smalt of Ensemble Scordatura between December 2017 and February 2018.