Only song cycli.
A completed collection of songs. A song cycle is the perfect way for a composer to announce his musical story in an intimate way. Sometimes poetically, sometimes straight forward. Music and lyrics together in complete harmony. Even contemporary composers follow where Schubert and Schumann have lead, and attempt their own song cycli.
In this Feature, several telling examples from England and America, with the works of Howard Skempton, Michael Nyman and Annea Lockwood. As vocalists you will hear Sarah Leonard, Thomas Buckner, Ute Lemper and others. At the centre is the touching, recently released song cycle ‘The Celebration’ by American composer Michael Byron. His wife, poet Anne Tardos, provided the exuberant poems.
Playlist:
1-5. Howard Skempton: song cycle ‘Tree Sequence’ (1981-1982) with ‘Duet for piano and woodblocks’ (1976) as an intermezzo, for soprano and chamber ensemble, on Howard Skempton: Surface Tension. Sarah Leonard (soprano) + HCD-Productions ensemble. Mode Records 61 CD
6-11. Michael Nyman: song cycle ‘Six Celan Songs’ (1990) for vocalists and ensemble, on Michael Nyman: Songbook. Ute Lemper (vocals) + Michael Nyman Band. Decca 425-227-2 CD
12-14. Annea Lockwood: song cycle ‘Night and Fog’ (1987) for baritone, tape and ensemble, on Thomas Buckner: Full Spectrum Voice. Thomas Buckner (baritone), Michael Pugliese (percussion) + JD Parran (baritone saxophone). Lovely Music LCD 3021 CD
15-20. Michael Byron: song cycle ‘The Celebration’ (2013) for baritone and piano quintet, on Michael Byron: The Celebration. Thomas Buckner (baritone), Flux Quartet and Joseph Kubera (piano). New World Records 8077872 CD
