Songs of War an Loss
for baritone voice and brass quintet
According to the composer, the substantial work uses the poetry of Walt Whitman (1819-1892) as its text deals with the subject of war, the human toll exacted by war, and the more than occasional spark of humanity observed during war. Although these poems concern themselves specifically with the Civil War (1861-1865) the themes are universal and timeless. The brass quintet, combined with baritone voice, is capable of great emotional and dynamic range and thus is a perfect setting to convey the brutality, sadness, suffering, and hope encountered in war.
Songs of War and Loss was commissioned by the American Brass Quintet, working with the noted vocalist Christopheren Nomura. Chamber Music America supported the commission. Premiere performances have been scheduled at Lincoln Center and the Aspen Music Festival in the 2011-12 season.
This commission has been made possible by The Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program with generous funding provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Chamber Music America Endowment Fund.