Sample Project: Words, Wide Night
Words, Wide Night was commissioned by a self-employed business consultant and patron of the arts to celebrate his and his wife’s 40th (Ruby) Wedding Anniversary in 2006. It was recorded at Studio One, BBC Wales, in April 2006 by Andrew Kennedy (tenor), Daniel Hill (piano) and the Carducci String Quartet and the CD was presented to the commissioner’s wife following a private recital in front of 80 invited guests at Coxley Vineyard, near Wells, Somerset, in August 2006. The entire project, which had been planned over five years, remained a secret from his wife until the evening of the performance.
The texts, all on the subject of love, were chosen by the commissioner in collaboration with the composer and were drawn from a wide selection of poets and literary styles encompassing several centuries. The song cycle, consisting of eleven songs and five instrumental interludes, traces a musical timeline outlining the couples’ romance from first meeting, the establishment of their relationship and continuing years of marriage, the last song reflecting on the couples’ life together and looking towards their future. Words, Wide Night received its first public performance in April 2007 as part of the series of Tuesday Night Concerts at Cardiff University and was performed by Andrew Staples (tenor), Daniel Hill (piano) and the Carducci String Quartet.
Liz Lane (Composer), April 2008
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