Poet Power!  A delicious dozen songs for contralto, viola and piano on American poetry to be savored and shared widely.  Originally written as a birthday present for contralto Elizabeth Anker, the composers and performers want to share these offerings and entice you to play, sing and listen.  After the initial concert in Cambridge, MA in 2004, many of the composers went on to write more songs and song cycles for the combination--all in English, all accessible to audiences, and all available through Elizabeth Anker's website (or links from it).  Enjoy!

Poet Power: 21st Century Songs for Contralto, Viola and Piano

CONTEMPORARY CONTRALTO SONGS

Cool viola solo for the opening, piano and voice join and there is a piano quote of a Schubert song at the end.  Exciting song to learn and sing!

Poet Power; best master

The Mockingbird Of Mockingbirds. Music by John McDonald (2004); Poetry by Denise Levertov

Viola and voice only!  Howard also wrote a lovely lullaby for this combination.
Poetry used by permission.
http://howardfrazin.com/

A Wren.  Music by Howard Frazin (2004); Poem by Denise Levertov

For voice alone.   A dramatic piece, in which the singer "enters" a taxi and has a conversation with a cab driver--a terrific staged piece that ends jubilantly.  Douglas Johnson has also written other pieces for Elizabeth, with small ensembles, using English and Spanish texts.  Contact: douglas.johnson@trincoll.edu

Poet Power!  Music by Douglas Johnson (2004); Poem by Denise Levertov

For voice, viola and piano.  Peter's lovely song allows some improvisation for the viola and voice.  Poem used by permission.  Contact: peter.aldins@longy.edu

Flowers Of Sophia.  Music by Peter Aldins (2004); Poem by Denise Levertov

For voice and piano.  Francine Trester has written several song cycles and an opera (2 people!) for Liz and the fabulous Mockingbirds.  Her music is engaging, she writes funny texts herself and you are encouraged to check her out! http://francinetrester.com/

Nobody Sees A Flower.  Music by Francine Trester (2004); Poem by Georgie O'Keeffe

I love to co-create new music.  Here are songs written by my friends with poetry I chose.  One of the poems is called "Poet Power!" so that is the name of the concert that began a LOT of songs for contralto, viola and piano.  Recorded live at Pickman Hall, Longy School of Music and Old First Church, San Francisco.   Longy recordings by Alan McLellan of WGBH Radio.

The Mockingbird Of Mockingbirds. Music by John McDonald (2004); Poetry by Denise Levertov

Elizabeth Anker, contralto