Nature Songs (2016)

about

This cycle is comprised of four songs, all based on poems from Janet Lewis' unfortunately out-of-print "Dear Past" poetry collection. I chose to set these particular poems because I was drawn to the way they each evoked simple and beautiful natural images – from the spider spinning its web in the early morning light, to the quick hummingbirds contrasted with the still perched cedar birds, to the power of the quietly moving river – while also eluding to a deeper meaning.

Commissioned by Jill Morgan Brenner for the second season of I Sing Words: The Poetry Project. Learn more here.

instrumentation

Soprano voice, piano

duration

ca. 9 minutes

performances

November 9, 2018

Winnie Nieh Solo Benefit Recital with pianist Paul Dab, Zion Lutheran Church, San Francisco, CA

Winnie Nieh – soprano, Paul Dab – piano

October 6, 2017

A Woman's Point of View – An Evening of Art Song, Center for New Music, San Francisco, CA

Winnie Nieh – soprano, Paul Dab – piano

February 10, 2017

I Sing Words: The Poetry Project, Center for New Music, San Francisco, CA

Jill Morgan Brenner – soprano, Paul Dab – piano

February 5, 2017*

I Sing Words: The Poetry Project, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sol Joseph Recital Hall, San Francisco, CA

Jill Morgan Brenner – soprano, Paul Dab – piano

*Indicates a world premiere