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Notes from an Opera

from The Aviary by Ana Silvera

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lyrics

I was in a hotel when the city first fell
It was gilded and sullen and neoclassical
I took up with an officer and then his general
He bought me almond biscuits and a freshwater pearl

And took me to the opera, and after to Pigalle
A dancer wearing tassels ate the rose off my lapel
These days I'm wearing Shalimar, no never my Chanel
Cos it reminds him of his mother

He wears me like he does his duty shoes
Immaculately polished, and he keeps my soul
In the Paris saloons
And he occupies my moods...

On the Rue des Abbesses
We could see violets
Had colonised the boulevards in June
I walked him down to the station
Banners fly from the irons 
And vapour trails
Come rising up
Like dove tails...
Bridal veils...

Sundial creeps its hours
Into July
Among the ruins
Lanternas light

I still count his steps
On this esplanade
Like rosaries...
Arms surround me
Arms surround me

I was in the hotel when the first bomb fell
It shook the chandeliers and that old crystal
Came tumbling down on the tiles like the steeples 
Of the St Paul bells

I get my pleasures in the dim stairwells
In fairground hands I undo myself -
Rise and fall like the painted poles
Of the carousel

And now autumn unthreads
Her last dress of gold 
Upon long lawns 
Shadows unfurl
I still count his steps 
On this esplanade
Where violets grow...

credits

from The Aviary, released March 12, 2012
Performed & written by Ana Silvera Arr. Maxim Moston Vocals/Piano: Ana Silvera 1st Violin: Maxim Moston 2nd Violin: Antoine Silverman Viola: Andra Voldins Cello: Anja Wood Bass: Kuma Harada
Recorded at 2nd Story Studios, New York
Produced by Brad Albetta & Ray Singer
Mixed by Daniel Rejmer

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Ana Silvera London, UK

'Stunning...magical storytelling' -The Guardian

Ana Silvera is a London-born singer- songwriter and composer whose folk and bluegrass-tinged tunes are lyrical, intimate and emotive, works of ‘lavish, vivid imagination’ (Metro). ... more

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