The songs for review are TO MUSIC WHEN SOFT VOICES DIE by Shelley,and dedicated to Fay Boyd;A WIDOW BIRD SATE MOURNING also by Shelley;I HEAR LEAVES DRINKING RAIN dedicated to Ned Rorem,the words by W.H.Davies;and ECCE PUER by James Joyce.
I reiterate that on paper, these songs look relatively simple,like so many good songs,but they require and deserve,real study to execute them well.The printed page is just the tip of a considerable iceberg. They are most enjoyable to sing and to hear,and convey the meaning of the poems extremely well.
A review does not need to be long,to say all that needs to be said,and like Phillip Wilcher,I am content,in this context,to be a miniaturist, and leave it at that,for all four.However,I would seriously urge my singing colleagues to purchase, study and perform these songs.All six I have now reviewed would make an ideal bracket of songs by an Australian composer,in a recital by singers who love good poetry, and goodness knows that should mean all of us.Highly recommended.
Reviewed by HENRY HOWELL
Review Source:Music Teacher Magazine, Vol.6 No.3 1998
