This programme of four song cycles was recorded in Hamilton and Auckland for release by Atoll Records (2021). The song cycles were conceived as a means of giving voice to a range of perceptions and preoccupations as expressed by four leading male writers – three New Zealanders and one American. The title, Voices of Men, captures the essence of this diverse grouping of poems. All of the songs are set for baritone voice and piano, with one cycle in addition featuring a violin, and another a trumpet. The music exists in order to communicate the words of these fine poets. The intention of the music is to enhance and intensify the listeners’ experience of the poetry.
Three baritones feature on the recording: James Harrison, James Ioelu, and Will King. The pianists are Katherine Austin, Richard Liu, and Sarah Watkins, with violinist James Yin and trumpeter Bill Stoneham. The poems are by Brian Turner, Mike Subritzky, Donald H. Lea, and Wallace Stevens. It is appropriate that this project was supported by the Freemasons Foundation which serves the community in a wide range of areas including the arts. |