THREE SONGS FOR THE DAY OF THE DEAD were commissioned by the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (Houston, TX) for their annual concert to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The first two songs, As She Looked Around (2012) and Death Goes Before Me (2013), were written for bass-baritone Timothy Jones, and the last song, Exultation (2011), was written for soprano Karol Bennett and arranged for bass-baritone for this cycle.

A version of this work scored for baritone, clarinet, violin, and cello is also available.

Three Songs for the Day of the Dead - I. As She Looked Around (text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

The innovative and highly energetic music of Rob Smith is frequently performed throughout the United States and abroad. He is an Associate Professor of Music Composition and director of the AURA Contemporary Ensemble at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music.  Boosey & Hawkes, Carl Fischer, Southern Music, C-Alan Publications, and Skitter Music Publications publish his music.

Three Songs for the Day of the Dead - I. As She Looked Around (text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

Rob Smith, composer