A string quartet named after an intimate body part
NewsA string quartet based in Manchester is calling itself Vulva Voce.
The name seems, to our eyes, misjudged.
‘Vulva’ is the Latin term for female genitalia. It is used in anatomy lessons at medical school and has no wider social or literary application. It designates the entire body area of the female genitals.
‘Voce’ is Latin for voice, which is lodged in a different body part. The two nouns makes little sense together in English. The string quartet is presumably aiming to signal that its members are all of the same gender.
Now, it would be considered unseemly, and rightly so, if a male group were to call itself the Phallus Quartet, or the Membrum Virile.
So why apply a different standard to a female ensemble?
Because it’s just Latin and no-one knows what it means?
Wrong message.
Womens’ Voice?
Well, they have got attention. How do they play?
Was this meant to be a pun, based on their new moniker?
No, if it was to be a pun, I would ask how do they sing.
🙂
Having studied alongside these lot and seen them perform they are engaging, original and comeplling music makers- unlike a lot out there.
Genitalia, ethnic background as well as making sure every possible combination of self-identification is represented has become much more important than the art.
The main point is that the Scrotum Symphonia or the Semen Trail Ensemble would never get a pass, no matter how much they have common with Greta Thunberg.
A bit prude.
Pussy Quartet would be more fitting to the Zeitgeist.
Also shouldn’t it be the plural of vulva? Or is their objective to speak with one vulva?
But seriously: what were they thinking? That the name is good for clickbaiting times? Maybe they are right and will sell a lot of tickets. But then get confused when men come to the front of the stage trying to put money into their clevages.
Would it be fair game to tell them at the after concert reception: I liked how your vulvas speaking to me today!
What a devastating and totally unexpected blow this article must be for the young string quartet. Thankful, I’m sure, to learn from a pioneer that this is the ‘wrong message’ . Phew.
So easily triggered. As always…
(And vulva is a pretty common term both in schools and heath settings…)
Who eyes are ‘ours’? Surely only the singular set of eyes of the author…?
exactly. Many (?) kids are brought up with giving their body parts their proper names. Did Mr Lebrecht get the vapours when he heard about the ‘Vagina Monologues’?
They should approach Volvo for sponsorship: I understand that vulva and Volvo come from the same Latin root – volvere, meaning to roll (also twist and wrap).
Many years ago I heard of a social science study or talk entitled ‘From Volvo to vulva’ which investigated how young men might be encouraged to set aside stereotypically ‘manly’ pursuits like tinkering with cars and take more of an interest in the opposite sex. If the study was successful, maybe now young men might be encouraged to develop a passion for the classical quartet repertoire through Vulva Quartet. Or perhaps not. 😉
They could have named themselves the Ford Pubic – repurposed out of old Corsairs.
COARSE HAIRS?
I would think that 4 vulvas would be tantamount to a “treat”.
Vulva is one of the most beautiful things on earth, how can we dislike this! Have look at L’Origine du monde by Gustave Courbet. For many years on the most popular paintings Orsay museum in Paris.
Ugh, no. Gross.
“Now, it would be considered unseemly, and rightly so, if a male group were to call itself the Phallus Quartet, or the Membrum Virile.”
Let’s just go ahead and own it with the “Dickhead Ensemble.”
At least one US college brass quintet has to own that name already
I prefer “Loud and Brassy”.
Well done America !!! Over here , London , we would call them middle class plonkers. If only they would play Elliott carter etc !!!
And men-proud-to-be-men should name their quartet Penis Quartet? Some logic…
Membrum Virile: what a great invention! Norman you have made my day – the funniest comment I have seen on on this blog for ages.
“A band from Sheffield is calling itself Arctic Monkeys. The name seems, in our eyes, misjudged. “Arctic” refers to the polar region in the northernmost part of the Earth, whereas “Monkeys” are a type of animal. The two make little sense together in English, as monkeys are not from the Arctic. It would be considered unseemly, rightly so, if a group called themselves “Sahara Polar Bears”, so why apply a different standard here? When you risk confusing children and adults called Norman who might take things too literally? Wrong message.”
Excellent post. Thanks. BTW – You look pretty good on the dance floor…
I personally find both the name and the picture extremely sexy and intriguing. I am a fan.
Me too! They even have some exclusive content on one website, that’s Only for Fans like you and I.
Looking again at the foto, i agree and am feeling fanny myself.
Imagine hearing the “Vulva Voce” and the “Phallus Quartet” playing Mendelssohn’s Octet.
Those G-strings may break during their steamy performance!
They’d need to work hard on their entrances and releases.
Why are young people today so crass, vulgar and tawdry? Doesn’t anyone have any class anymore? I would like to think that people in the classical field would at least attempt to project a bit of decency. The pop world had Pussy Riot and Circle Jerk groups – we can do better than that.
They should take the famously grown-up and clean-humoured Mozart as their example, or perhaps Beethoven for his gentility and scrupulous personal hygiene. Or Wagner! Poulenc? Picasso? James Joyce?
Mozart would have loved it for sure! It is quite a stretch to think that people who like classical music are “classy” – another elitist assumption that bears no relation to resemblance to reality…
It’s a play on Viva Voce. As an older musician and educationalist I applaud their use of a term formerly considered ‘dirty’. Nothing tawdry about the female body. Go girls!
It’s as if you’ve never delved into lieder… or any music, poetry, art… any of the arts? Or any… anyone in history?
I sense they may have just gained a helpful publicity pull quote:
‘The name seems, to our eyes, misjudged… Wrong message.’ – Slippedisc
More generally, artists could sell albums with ‘Misunderstood by Slippedisc’ stickers on (like the ‘Gramophone Editor’s Choice’ ones they used to do).
Exactly! This coming from a website who themselves are named on a pun…
Actually, if you want to be pedantic, vox is the Latin for a voice. voce is by, with, or from a voice.
And so the name makes no sense in Latin…
Make it vulvae vocem.
It’s also a play on “Viva voce” (which works in both Latin and Italian).
Patriarchy will patriarch.
Waiting for the new set of PR photos, more in synch with the title which they, not anyone of us, have chosen and use as bait.
Named after the great cellist Taras Vulva.
Another crap name after I Fagiolini et al.!
I’m certain there’s a string quartet called Four Play. Perhaps they should meet.
The novelty name won’t matter if they play well.
They play beautifully, I have heard them
Their publicity poster could feature a painting by Georgia O’Keeffe. Many choices come to mind.
I think the Phallus Quartet is a great name; they’d be sure to stick out above the rest.
As long as they don’t actually show their voces on stage I’ll be OK with it.
Maybe they misspelled the word and they meant Bulba, ie Taras Bulba?
I’m sure they meant it to be “Vulgar”.
I believe the Vulvas will conquer the world, especially in light of the authors terrible takes!
Championing the music of Fanny Mendelssohn, Jos Kunst and Marcel Bitsch.
…not to mention William Crotch and Peter Schat.
…and to collaborate with the excellent Czech flutist, Vaclav Kunt… possibly in music by J.J. Fux…?
Why not just cut the Latin crap and call the quartet Vagina Voices
They want to ride the political correctness wave, so they know exactly why they named it that. they just performed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The same festival that cancelled a comedy group, because their writer is critical to trans insanity. Their excuse was that they are “an inclusive festival”. Indeed. They do include something.
We are the City University of New York concert presenter, how do we contact their pimp, pardon, their manager to present them in our series?
Watch your lingus, CUNY!
They stink. Presumably.
Wasn’t there an “art” film about it?
https://youtu.be/yp7eFbDHj1A
Just in case anyone wants to hear what Vulva Voce sounds like, rather than read an article in which the writer inadvertently reveals their ignorance of the female body.
Wow, this is an absolutely unnecessary stamping down of an upcoming chamber ensemble. This really stinks of nothing other than the desire of slippedisc to make drama out of nothing, and comes across as so so petty, it’s embarrassing. I sometimes enjoy the content of this outlet on opera, as the world of the latter is often so ridiculous and dramatic that outlets like slippedisc can simply recite and an entertaining article is produced, albeit with the typical sardonic tone.
This goes too far. This prays on a small group, not a rich, established opera company. The retoric of some male author deciding, in this self-appointed way which comes across as sexist, that their concept is ‘wrong message’ smacks of the arrogance if the guy writing all of this sensationalist rubbish. So disappointing. Pick on someone your own size…
This is not stamping down. They were perfectly aware what they were doing when they choose their quartet’s ridiculous one-time clickbait name. So now you being emotionally traumatized on their behalf for people rightfully (and hilariously) roasting them is disingenuous at the very least.
After all, it’s just a reality check for them, that is – play stupid games win stupid prizes. Had good laugh reading some of the comments, so got to thank them for that.
Pray or prey?
Prey, sir; twat do you refer?
Help me out here… I can’t decide whether it’s shameful or shameless. Have they so little dignity?
This article seems, to my eyes, misjudged.
Musical groups using a provocative name to get attention is nothing new, and here, as in the past, it seems to have worked.
Pro tip to Norman: vulva is not just the Latin word for female genitalia, it’s also the English word for the same thing. A vulva is not a vagina, they are different, and if you weren’t so easily offended when someone uses the word, you might learn the difference between the two.
Vulva Voce: From Our Lips to Your Ears
Vulva Voce have won multiple awards, had numerous radio plays /interviews, and are now embarking on a European Tour because of their fantastic *playing*, their *approach to performance* and their *championing of underrepresented voices*.
I can say those things with confidence having seen them perform live many, many times (something I highly recommend doing *before* writing articles about an ensemble…)
There is nothing wrong with carving out a niche in what is an incredibly crowded industry – it’s just a shame Norman Lebrecht has decided that these days his niche should be clickbait — the type of modern-day “journalism” I would have thought any well-respected writer would avoid.
I did listen to a few tracks they have on YouTube (not hugely popular). The intonation is problematic quite often and the tone quality is…well, mediocre at best. Repertoire is as PC as it gets. Clearly they have to rely more on politics, PR and ride the wave. One of the blurbs on their website comes from one of the top experts in the field of string chamber music – Sacha Lord – Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester, Co-Founder of Parklife. I rest my case.
I think they went straight to the heart of the matter. Strange that they should want to play music on top of it, too.
I don’t think anyone has mentioned that Vulva Voce present and champion music by women, their name therefore gives you a clue. Beyond that, they are excellent players and present their concerts in a refreshing way. The epitome of youthful exuberance. You, Mr Lebrecht, are so far from their target audience, that your article creates excellent publicity for them. I love it when old white men get upset when something is created for them!
Obviously meant ‘isn’t created for them’
Whoa! You mean to tell me a prude dweeb named Norman is so triggered seeing „Vulva“ in a string quartet’s name that he can’t adequately write (nor even hint) at how they play? Shocking. Hope Mommy gives you an extra juice box for this childish article.
Are they planning on having a logo mark?
Is this really what constitutes an article on this website?
I had one of the most profound experiences of my life at a Vulva Voce performance. Not only are they incredible humans, they are PHENOMENAL musicians and artists. Their synchronicity is unparalleled and their musical vocabulary is deep and nuanced well beyond their years. I cried while they performed glorious and beautiful music they wrote.
Their name is not only fantastic, but representative of their beliefs and goals (which they are accomplishing to no end.)
The author of this ‘article’ should consider deleting it, lest it ruin any sense of their credibility or professionalism. Better yet, leave it up so that all may see how ignorant, belligerent and arrogant they truly are; not only about anatomy (which, the author obviously knows nothing about), but also art itself.
Vulva Voce is art, and they are the future.
Viva Vulva Voce!
Just hang on there! Why always revert to accusations of racism and sexism etc? Like “old white men”? It is really getting so boring to see these hackneyed, tired expressions!
Is it really necessary these days to give yourself the most base, crass name you can think of to get noticed? Can your talent not do it on its own? The most famous artists did not need to lower themselves to the lowest form (pun intended!) of self promotion and shock tactics to get where they are. They just did through raw talent. Gimmicks like this usually falls by the wayside very soon!
The name does have an odd sort of alliterative appeal, though
Perhaps their next CD could be titled, “Viva Vulva Voce!”
I feel compelled to add to this discussion.
Vulva Voce is a name that is derived from the Latin words for female genitalia and voice. The quartet argues that their name is a statement that celebrates the diversity and richness of female voices, acknowledges the power and beauty of the female body, and inspires and empowers women and girls to embrace their identity and creativity. However, this argument is flawed and misguided for several reasons.
First, using a biological organ as a name for a musical group is not a celebration of female voices, but a reduction of female identity to a single body part. It implies that women are defined by their sexuality and reproductive function, rather than by their talents, achievements, and personalities. It also ignores the fact that not all women have vulvas, and not all people who have vulvas identify as women. Therefore, the name is not inclusive or representative of the diversity of female experiences and expressions.
Second, using a biological organ as a name for a musical group is not an acknowledgment of the power and beauty of the female body, but a trivialization and commodification of it. It exploits the female body as a marketing strategy to attract attention and controversy, rather than to convey artistic merit or quality. It also reinforces the objectification and sexualization of women in society, which can lead to discrimination, harassment, and violence against them.
Third, using a biological organ as a name for a musical group is not an inspiration or empowerment for women and girls, but a discouragement and disservice to them. It sends the message that women have to resort to shock value and sensationalism to be noticed and respected in the male-dominated field of classical music, rather than to rely on their skills, abilities, and creativity. It also sets a bad example for young girls who aspire to pursue music as a career or hobby, by suggesting that they have to use their bodies rather than their brains to succeed.
In conclusion, Vulva Voce is a vulgar name for a musical group that does not challenge the conventions and stereotypes of classical music, but rather perpetuates them. It does not respect or honor the female voice, body, or identity, but rather degrades and diminishes them. It does not promote or support female achievement in music, but rather undermines and hinders it. Therefore, Vulva Voce should reconsider their name and choose one that reflects their musical talent and vision, rather than their biological organ.
Very well put.
They can name themselves anything they want. I’m usually thinking of that stuff anyway, so it hardly alters my thoughts, except to think my head is already right where they want it.
Stop being so precious.
Quartet members:
– Yaay, girl power!
Slippedisc:
– Here is what people actually think of it
“‘Vulva’ is Latin for the female genitalia.” No it isn’t. ‘Vulva’ is the English term for the external portion of the female genitalia. It is the Latin word for ‘womb.’ If you’re going to be pedantic (and priggish) about Latin, at least learn a bit of the language first, instead of just pretending to be the sort of person who already has
Vulva Voce Queeftet, here, fixed it.
Those who feel the need to poke fun at and tear these vivacious young women down need to check their sad behaviour. These innovative musicians are sharing the voices of undervalued composers and represent positive change in the music world. Bravo Vulva Voce! Continue your great work!
They are called “Vulva Voce” in reference to “Viva Voce”, but “vulva” because they only play music written by women. AKA, giving women a voice. They play brilliantly and I think the message is good and clear.
I guess there had to be a reason to go…
The name “Vulva Voce” certainly carries a strong and unique imagery. It’s a bold and empowering name that combines both anatomical references and musical terminology. “Vulva” references a part of female anatomy, symbolizing femininity and identity, while “Voce” is derived from the Latin word for “voice,” which ties into the musical aspect of the quartet.
By merging these two elements, the name suggests a fusion of female identity and musical expression. It’s a playful yet thought-provoking name that challenges traditional gender norms and stereotypes. The juxtaposition of the feminine and the artistic in the name reflects a modern and progressive approach to music and gender representation.
Overall, “Vulva Voce” is a name that not only captures attention but also opens up conversations about identity, empowerment, and creativity, making it a fitting and intriguing choice for a female-led string quartet.
Mina
They don’t play entire pieces, only snatches
I’m only interested in how they play.
Why not? I mean, the great sopranos all sing from their diaphragms, right?
Everyone knows what it means. It signals more than pheminism, it signals strong pheminine urges and sweet hedonism.
grotesque.
What kind of clueless bro thinks nobody knows the word ‘vulva’?
Apparently the same kind of clueless bro who thinks masculinity and femininity are treated so equivalently in our society that an argument of ‘it would be weird if men did it’ carries some logical weight.