 |
Sheet Music: Performance PartsRiver songs / music by Betty Beath ; words by Jena Woodhouse.by Betty Beath (1991)
|
Hire Only
This item is available from our hire library. |
Product details
River Songs is a cycle of seven songs, a setting of a poem sequence, 'The River' by Queensland poet, Jena Woodhouse. I felt drawn to the texts since I know Jena's river well, we live on opposite banks of the Brisbane River and the images and experiences she draws upon are almost mirror images of my own.
In River Songs the river is a physical presence, deriving its identity from water, currents, tides, light, mangroves, birds, ferries and people. It carries connotations too, of life itself...the miraculous continuity of time and generations. Although events and moments of an individual life may appear distinct from other lives, that life ultimately becomes part of an onward flow. The river becomes an image of both change and continuity, and of time which can embody past, present, and future in a single moment.
The cycle was written for the Queensland soprano, Janet Delpratt whose influence, as my own voice teacher, continues to inspire much of my vocal composition. I was particularly pleased when eminent Australian conductor and composer Dr. Richard Mills invited me to make an orchestral arrangement of the already existing cycle scored for voice and piano. His interest and encouragement at that time is something I shall always value.
Published by: Australian Music Centre — 1 set of performance parts
Duration: 20 min.
1. River-mother, river-child -- 2. Boy and the river -- 3. River nocturne -- 4. House by the river -- 5. Tree of two souls -- 6. Swift tide -- 7. River voices before dawn (Coda).
First performance by Richard Mills, Janet Delpratt, Queensland Symphony Orchestra — 27 Nov 92. ABC Studios, Ferry Road, Brisbane
Setting of a poem sequence, 'The River', by Queensland poet, Jena Woodhouse.
Typeset edition.
Related products
This work is also available in the following products:
Score: River songs / music by Betty Beath ; words by Jena Woodhouse.
CD: Procession for Elisabeth : music of Australian composers.
CD: Best of Jade classics : music of Australian composers.
Digital Audio: River songs / Betty Beath ; performed by Richard Mills, Janet Delpratt, Queensland Symphony Orchestra
This work also exists as the following versions:
- Soprano with piano
- Browse other works for Soprano with orchestra
- Browse other works by Betty Beath
Analysis & Media
- Video: 'River Mother, River Child' and 'Boy and the River' from River songs
User reviews
Be the first to share your thoughts, opinions and insights about this item.
To post a comment please login