CHORAL AND VOCAL WORKS
The Cherry Tree
Carol
for medium voice and piano.
Traditional English Carol
Published by Kenter Canyon Music (2003) (ASCAP)
Commissioned by Jorge Mester, conductor of
the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra and Kimball Wheeler, Mezzo-soprano
for their friend, pianist, Estelle Schlueter, "The Cherry Tree Carol"
is one of the most popular of English religious folk ballads. During
Medieval times, it was frequently dramatized in folk plays and pageants.
A lovely, haunting melody, this song has been set in many varying
ways. There are numerous verses that are sung, some of them predicting
Jesus' birth date, some of His death and resurrection. A beautiful
ballad for the Christmas season.
In This Place (1994)
Words by Fred Haines
Duration: approx 2:20
Originally performed as the third piece in
the song cycle with words by my friend, Fred Haines, this tonal
work reflects the continuation of life after the loss of a loved
one. Reflective with some dissonance.
Let Love Not
Fail (2002)
Words by Ivan Gallardo
Voice, flute (opt), violin and piano or organ (ASCAP)
Let Love Not Fail (2002) is a beautiful poem
by Ivan Gallardo which he wrote for his bride-to-be, Jeannine
Wagner, in honor of their marriage. I happily set his words
to music, and the song was performed at their wedding in 2002. Recently, it was performed by Elissa Johnston, soprano. It
is a tender, heartfelt song which can be performed with/ without
the flute and violin and piano/organ accompaniment. A perfect wedding song!
Meditation
(1998)
SSAATB
Duration: approx 6:00
Published by Kenter Canyon Music (ASCAP)
Premiered by The
Gregg Smith Singers, New York, NY, January 1999. Los Angeles
premiere by The Wagner
Ensemble, Jeannine Wagner conducting in May, 2000.
MEDITATION for SSAATB was written in 1997 in loving memory of a
former Gregg Smith Singer, Carole Babich Keiser. The piece was conceived
as a Lament utilizing the complex sounds of the human voice singing
vowels rather than words. The only words in the piece are Alleluiah
and Amen. The opening section is like a human cry or wail, followed
by a solemn Alleluiah section in G minor. The last section, in C
(for Carole) minor is a long Amen representing the inability to
say good-bye to a loved one. .
Night
SSAATTBB; Words by William Blake
Duration: approx 5:30
Published by Kenter Canyon Music (ASCAP) (1999)
Premiered by The
Gregg Smith Singers, Saranac Lake, NY, July, 1999 funded by
a Meet The Composers grant. Most recently, beautifully performed by The Wagner Ensemble, Jeannine Wagner conducting.
SONG CYCLE to texts
by Edgar Alan Poe
A work in progress (2008-09)
Commissioned for Richard
Bernstein, noted bass-baritone. This song cycle will be approx
15-20 minutes in length and will incorporate poems of POE's middle
period. Its original form is for voice and piano for recitals. I
hope to orchestrate the pieces for chamber ensemble or chamber orchestra.
Two Songs for Alto or Tenor and Piano
Texts by Fred Haines
Published by Kenter Canyon Music (1994) (ASCAP)
In Memorium: I
Cannot Bear To See,
Duration: approx
2:00
Valentine's
Day,
Duration: approx 2:00
Bruce Sledge,
tenor
Premiered at the Pacific Composers Forum New Music for Voice and
Piano concert in May 1994. When I was asked to compose these songs
for this program, I turned to Fred Haines for a number of beautiful
poems. I chose to set Valentine’s Day because it flowed musically
for me, was about life and its possibilities and an important counterpoint
to In Memorium, the first of his poems to which I was attracted.
At the time I was preparing these songs, my father was preparing
to die. His poetry spoke to the unbearable pain and sadness that
was in me. These songs are dedicated to my father, Sam Albert, who
passed away two months before this concert.
Two Jenny Joseph Songs
Words by Jenny Joseph
Duration: approx 5:00
Published by Kenter Canyon Music (2002) (ASCAP)
The Sun Has Burst the Sky (ASCAP)
One That Got Away (ASCAP)
Wonderful,
sprightly, playful songs for soprano or tenor. Lyrics by the poet,
Jenny Joseph, who wrote "When I Grow Old, I Shall Wear Purple".
Engaging songs to have fun with. |
|
|
