Three Songs on Poems by Jean Toomer

Poems by Jean Toomer (1894–1967)

Premiere: 16 July 2006
Mezzo-soprano Claire Scholes (née Nash)
Conductor Peter Scholes
Auckland Chamber Orchestra
Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber

Programme Note

1.Storm Ending
2.Evening Song
3.her lips are copper wire

The three poems by Jean Toomer were selected for their beauty of language, wide palette of colours and imagery, and strength of feeling. I stumbled upon them while browsing a website of American poets. I had not intended to set work by an author who was so politically motivated, but the instant reaction in my heart on reading them made these a must. I must confess to not understanding the poems completely, but that air of mystery appeals all the same. I've attempted to set the poems in an honest and respectful way, but I have had to rely on my own interpretation and instinct in doing so. This set of songs is a quest for, or dream of, beauty, and the difficulties one meets on the way.