PROGRAM NOTES
This is my first collaboration with poet Perry Brass. I decided
to set some of his poems to music since I took an immediate liking
to his work, due to its unique blend of lyricism and stylistic
accessibility. These four poems, to which I feel particularly
close, depict common everyday events, infusing them with strong
emotions and deep spiritual meanings. To quote Perry's words:
" 'In the Distant Quiet' brings with it a message of understanding
and a commonality of deeper, human feelings- that all of us want
to bring the "distant quiet" closer to us, and find
within it that personal freedom that is buried deep within us".
The song cycle, for male or female voice with piano accompaniment,
was composed in the early part of 1998. In writing it I aimed
for clear and lyrical vocal lines and a sparse and transparent
accompaniment, in order for the words to be as audible as possible.
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