Work
13 ways of looking at a blackbird : voice with piano
by Peggy Glanville-Hicks (1947)
Also known as: Thirteen ways of looking at a blackbird
Audio Sample
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Performance by Angela Giblin, Margaret Legge-Wilkinson from the CD Tall trees |
Selected products featuring this work — Display all products (6 more)
Display all products featuring this work (6 more) 
Work Details
Year: 1947
Instrumentation: Voice, piano.
Duration: 13 min.
Difficulty: Medium
Dedication note: To Cathalene Parker
Performances of this work
22 May 2016: at Against the Tide (Kendall School of Arts Hall). Featuring Julie Paik, Jeanell Carrigan.
9 Aug 2014: at Nature | Jane Sheldon & Nicole Panizza (Elder Hall). Featuring Jane Sheldon, Nicole Panizza.
User reviews
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My favourite Australian art song repertoire
Posted by Australian Music Centre on 15 July, 2013
The AMC asked leading practitioners to select their favourite Australian art song repertoire, to provide delegates to the 2013 International Conference of Vocal Teachers (Brisbane 2013) with an introduction to this rich and diverse landscape.
These settings of Wallace Stevens's aphoristic poems are wonderfully contrasted and characterised, full of colour and variety. They require good musical preparation and the ability to colour vocal tone according to the demands of the setting.
Rowena Cowley
Peggy's vocal work, her operas and songs, represent an important turning point in mid-20th century history. At a time when modernism was reaching its high point, her work breaks away from European traditions and searches for new clarity in a new world. This setting of Wallace Stevens counts amongst her most articulate and poetic pieces. Twenty years ago I had the good fortune of recording all her songs with Gerald English. It still stands out as a highlight.
Roland Peelman
The contrasts in mood and character of Wallace Stevens’ texts used in the 13 short songs of this cycle are also reflected in the different uses of compositional styles and techniques. Achieving the balance and contrast between the different movements of the cycle by delivering the ‘message’ the bird has to tell in each song and throughout the cycle are a challenge for both singer and pianist.
Cathy Aggett
An intriguing and accessible song-cycle made up of 13 miniatures, setting evocative poems by Wallace Stevens. Mainly lyrical and quite meditative, but some exciting, surprising songs as well. Not very demanding technically and musically, but many possibilities for expressive and colourful interpretation.
Jeannie Marsh