Mr.Wilcher has the happy knack of choosing the right poems to set and then setting them very well indeed.A miniaturist in his songs,I have written in these pages before that his settings are economic but say all they need to say in less than two minutes, sometimes,in fact,in less than one,what many other composers take five minutes to say,then still don't achieve their purpose.
James Joyce's poetry is often as obscure as some of his prose but not in these pieces.Some are simple while others are reminiscent of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. All,however,are treated by Mr.Wilcher with his customary sensitivity.All of the songs are set in medium voice,ranging generally from bottom A flat to about top F sharp,the main requirement being that the performer should have a real and deep love of poetry.Most of the accompaniments are within the capabilties of any good accompanist,while others, particularly in the more dramatic "On the Beach at Fontana" require more of a virtuoso.One of my senior students sang two of Mr. Wilcher's songs at my last student concert,where they were very well received,so I have no hesitation at all in recommending them to my teaching colleagues and to performers.
Henry Howell,Queensland.
Review source: Music Teacher Magazine Vol 7, No.4, December 1999
