compositions
compositions
SONGS of FOREVER
Duration: 25 minutes
Written: 1991
Premiered: Arpil 11, 1992
by Canadian Chamber Ensemble
Conductor: Peter Paul Koprowski
Mezzo-soprano: Gabrielle Prata
John Aird Centre
Waterloo, Canada
by Canadian Chamber Ensemble
Conductor: Peter Paul Koprowski
Mezzo-soprano: Gabrielle Prata
John Aird Centre
Waterloo, Canada
- Mezzo-soprano
- Flute
- 2 Oboe
- Clarinet (Bass Clarinet)
- Bassoon
- 2 Trumpets
- 2 Horns
- Trombone
- Tuba
- Timpani/Percussion
- Piano
- Strings (minimum one Double Bass with low C extension required)
Movements:
- Rage
- Time
- Seeking
- Serenity
- The Journey
Background
Although primarily know for his orchestral compositions, Koprowski has written a considerable number of vocal works.
Songs of Forever is set to the text by Catherine Sivier. It was conceived as a companion piece to his other concerti, giving the voice (mezzo-soprano) a similar soloistic presence within the context of an orchestra.
Songs of Forever was commissioned by the Canadian Chamber Ensemble with assistance from the Canada Council. . It was premiered in April 1991 with Gabrielle Prata as a soloist under the direction of the composer, and it was broadcast the same year on CBC Stereo.
Press
“As ever, Koprowski's ability at calculating the balance of text and music is expert. His music never overwhelms the poet's darkly moving and complex text, but instead reflects the sentiment behind the words in a truly compelling manner. Koprowski’s latest works all attest to his stature as a composer laureate, and it must be said once again that he deserves the kind of recognition Canada so infrequently accords its best artist."