Voice
Lauber Lieder (1994)
Soprano (or Mezzo-soprano) and Piano 12' 00" Texts by Peg Lauber The four songs are titled The Slowly Opening Rose, I Have Washed And Buttoned Up, Geese Along The Flowage, and The Sermon. The texts, by Peg Lauber, are all concerned with the theme of coping with and overcoming the burdens and challenges of life: the rose blooms but to die and renew; the child uses the pattern of daily life to cope with the loss of her mother; the chick struggles to rise from the flowage to go with the flock; and, the feeling, rhythm and power of a sermon newly inspire us. The songs are conceived as a set but can be performed individually. Commissioned and premiered by Nancy L. Walker. Published by Arsis Press. College and beyond.
The Old Songs (2010)
Scene for Soprano, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Contrabass 10' 00" Texts by Paul Munn
Two for Three (1994)
Soprano, Flute, Viola 8' 00" Texts by Peg Lauber In "For a few minutes, lie in the sun," an expression of serenity is followed by more venomous emotions, which are then followed by a return to serenity. This structure puts musical parentheses around anger and bitterness, encapsulated by the text "let bitterness lapse momentarily." This directness and sincerity of expression is contrasted with a wittier, more urbane and self-conscious presentation in "Contemplate cliché angels." The words of the song celebrate themselves--they are about words--but they occasionally bump into seemingly unavoidable clichés. Sections of music with a manic, humorous character, complete with intentionally silly word painting, alternate with clearly derivative jazz. Texts by Peg Lauber. Published by Arsis Press. Advanced college and beyond.
What's for Supper? (1995)
Soprano, Piano, Viola (optional) 14' 00" Texts by Peg Lauber These four songs were written to perform for grade school age children to teach them about and interest them in contemporary art music. They have also been remarkably successful in a traditional recital setting--adults are very appreciative of the music-text relationships and other references to the art music tradition. The second song, What's for Supper?, enlists the pianist and violist as both speakers and singers. The viola part is cued in the piano part so performance without a violist is possible. The texts were commissioned from Peg Lauber. Published by Arsis Press. Advanced College and beyond.