Two Songs on American Poems [CF:70020-203]

Thexa0Two Songs on American Poemsxa0were composed in late May and early June of 2011 by candlelight at my rustic waterfront cabin on a remote island off the northwest coast of Washington State. Dana Gioia's stunning poemxa0Prayerxa0was written in memory of his infant son, Michael Jasper Gioia, whose brief life was tragically ended by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.xa0Prayerxa0initially presents a series of slightly unsettling images leading to an entreaty to God, nature and/or spirits to watch over Dana and Mary's son, “as a mountain guards its covert ore and the harsh falcon its flightless young.” Both Dana and I have received many communications from parents who have lost their child to SIDS, grateful that the song has become a significant part of their healing process. I set James Agee's marvelous, iconic poemxa0Sure On This Shining Nightxa0as a dialogue expressing the awe and joy of sharing a profound pantheistic experience where all is healed, all is health. Originally a movement from myxa0Nocturnesxa0for mixed chorus and piano, there are also published settings for mixed duet and piano, treble chorus and piano, men’s chorus and piano and mixed chorus and string orchestra. Thexa0Two Songsxa0are designed as a pair but may be sung independently. When paired,xa0Sure On This Shining Nightxa0should begin immediately following the final, sustained chord ofxa0Prayerxa0with no break in between the songs. Both of these songs, premiered by international opera star Rod Gilfry and accompanied by the composer at a USC Visions & Voices tribute to Dana Gioia on September 27, 2011, have their roots in the American musical theater and should be sung as such. The CDxa0Prayer – The Songs of Morten Lauridsenxa0and the many recordings that I accompany at the piano for the original choral versions (also seen and heard on YouTube) can serve as performance guides. —Morten Lauridsen