BYRON SONGS              

Soprano and Piano

2010

20’

Published by G. Meredith Publications

PROGRAM NOTE

Song Cycle in 6 parts for soprano and piano based on texts from Lord Byorn’s Hebrew Melodies commissioned by Sonoma Musica Viva.  First performance November 2011, Carol Menke, soprano, Marilyn Thompson, piano.  The songs may be performed separately or in any combination. 

Subsequent to the premiere an piccolo descant part was added to It Is The Hour, a descant flute part was added to They Say That Hope is happiness and a version for string quartet and piano was made for They Say That Hope is happiness.

I.  Sun of the Sleepless

II.  A spirit pass’d before me

III.  My Soul Is Dark

IV.  They say that Hope is happiness

V.  It Is The Hour

VI.  If That High World

watch video of My Soul Is Dark (Esther Rayo, soprano), It Is The Hour and If That High World (Carol Menke, soprano)

Texts