"Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die" is a three-movement work (~15-17 minutes of music) commemorating the life and work of fashion designer and businesswoman Vivienne Westwood. The title originates from the name of her 1972 shop in Chelsea, London with at-the-time husband Malcolm McLaren. The movements play out in a fast-slow-fast form, using diverse percussion and unique orchestration to create an original and thematic sound pallet. Each movement is named after one of her most famous collections and could be accompanied with video or photos for a multi-media experience. 

 

 

        I. Pirate (♩. = 160)
 

'Pirate' (Autumn-Winter 1981-82) is perhaps Vivienne's most important collection, as it solidified her place as a respected high fashion designer and provided her with opportunities to grow into the powerhouse she is known as today. The piece opens with two antiphonal concert bass drums, "firing cannons" at random and increasing in speed until they strike at the same time, igniting a wild compound-meter groove in the percussion. The sound world of this movement is dark and sinister, allowing the low brass and reeds to dominate. 

 

         II. Witches (♩= 68-72)

 

'Witches' (Autumn/Winter 1983-84) marks the end of her early work and collaboration with Malcolm McLaren, soon going on to begin her eponymous label. This movement is mysterious and groovy, with amplified double bass taking over. 

 

        III. Propaganda (♩= 144)

 

'Propaganda' is the unofficial title of Westwood's 2005-06 Autumn/Winter collection. The collection was inspired by Aldous Huxley's essay 'Propaganda in a Democratic Society' and features a dress bearing the name 'Propaganda'.