2 poems by Billy Collins

CR: 75
Year: 2011
Duration: 9'
Instrumentation: Soprano & Harp
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Introduction to Poetry
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00:00/02:33

Introduction to Poetry [2'30"]
Memento Mori [6'30"]

Harpist Remy van Kesteren was the NJO Muziekzomer artist-in-residence in 2011. One of the projects he was involved in was Zo wordt u gelukkig, based on poems by Billy Collins and featuring videos with Kees van Kooten and live performances by soprano Claron McFadden and Remy van Kesteren. I was asked to contribute two songs to this program and chose to set Collins' Introduction to Poetry and Memento Mori to music.

Working with these excellent musicians of course was an informative experience for me. I experimented with my vocal writing and various shapes of vocal lines. It also allowed me to present the harp in many different facets: rippling, violent, full, delicate, orchestral, as well as using material of a more restrained character.

show performances
  • 17 August 2011, 21.30, Veluvine, Nunspeet, The Netherlands (Premiere)
    Claron McFadden (soprano) & Remy van Kesteren (harp)
    "Zo wordt u gelukkig"
  • 18 August 2011, 21.30, Podium & Filmtheater Gigant, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
    Claron McFadden (soprano) & Remy van Kesteren (harp)
    "Zo wordt u gelukkig"
  • 20 August 2011, 21.30, Kleine Zaal, Concertgebouw De Vereeniging, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
    Claron McFadden (soprano) & Remy van Kesteren (harp)
    "Zo wordt u gelukkig"

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