Assuming God - Soprano, Piano
This is a modern setting of a poem by my friend Jonathon Penny, written for no other reason than the poem fired my imagination. Two compositional elements are the B-A-C-H motif and mirror form.
Deep River - Bass, Piano
This arrangement was originally for SATB and Bass solo. I adapted this piano/vocal arrangement from the choir arrangement. Please contact me directly for other keys/voice types.
These Flowers: A Song Cycle for Soprano and String Quartet
No.1 – These Flowers
No.2 – Now That War Like Winter Falls
No.3 – 25/2/71
These Flowers is a set written for the visiting Pendereki String Quartet during my year teaching at Bishop’s University in Quebec. The poet, Douglas Jones, taught literature in the area for many years and came to the premier (sung by Mireille Gagne, the recording of which I provide here). Again, I love the sensual imagery and quiet spirit of these poems.
Walden: A Song Cycle for Soprano and Piano
No.1 – Life In a Day
No.2 – Morning
No.3 – On War
No.4 – This Is a Delicious Evenng
No.5 – Birds
No.6 – I Went to the Woods
Soprano Erin Guinup suggested this project to me and sang the lovely live performance on these recordings. The cycle moves through the times of day, using texts from Thoreau’s famous “On Walden Pond”. I aimed for a transcendental, other-worldly ambience in this music, matching the spirit of the words.