Kristen Kozub
Susan Graham: Songs of Ned Rorem
Often times, when we think of composers who have contributed to the musical world, we think of names including-- but not limited to-- Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Chopin, and Mozart. Although prolific, not one of these composers was American, or has lived in the last century. In recent years, recognition for contemporary American composers has dwindled. With that said, allow me to bring to your attention the song stylings of American composer, Ned Rorem (1923 - ). For years, Rorem's gorgeous song settings have been incessantly praised. Mezzo-soprano Susan Graham is added to the mix, resulting in the 2000 release of Songs of Ned Rorem, featuring Malcolm Martineau on piano and the Ensemble Oriol string quartet. This 32-track compilation is sure to be a delight for all who choose to give it a listen.
What is it, you ask, that make Rorem's compositions so distinctly beautiful? At the start of the first track, "Sonnet", the listener will understand why he receives the praise he does. Featuring the entire ensemble, this piece exhibits an unparalleled delicacy, and transports to a place of musical bliss. Of course, the compilation is only a taste of the hundreds of compositions that have graced the world over the last half a century or so, but the ones on this disc are undoubtedly an excellent representation. Much of the time, composers use the same compositional techniques, resulting in similar-sounding songs. While Rorem's work is distinctly his, each of the tracks has something specific that sets it apart from the others.
As far as the text is concerned, Rorem has chosen a group of lyric poetry whose themes seem to center on death, love, nature, and the passage of time. A good majority of the poets are American, but, interestingly enough, the chronological gap is quite large. Rorem features poetry spanning from the Elizabethan era to Walt Whitman. His chosen texts (and his music, for that matter) are stunningly, sometimes startlingly, dazzling, and honest.
Upon first listen, it is quite obvious that Rorem draws much of his inspiration from setting. Having spent much of his life in both New York and Paris, these two places seem to recur frequently throughout his compositions. The third track, "Early in the Morning", is often hailed as Rorem's most famous work. The text, by Robert Hillyer, paints a tourist's picture of Paris. Similarly, the twentieth track, "The Lordly Hudson", uses a backdrop of the majestic Hudson river.
Mr. Rorem could not have picked a better vessel for his work than the lovely Susan Graham. In recent years, Ms. Graham has become one of the most acclaimed and sought-after mezzo-sopranos of our time. Her milky, rich tone enhances the music in ways no one else's possibly could. As with many of her other works, she executes the songs beautifully, making them seem effortless. Even twenty or thirty tracks in, it is impossible to tire of her voice and what she brings to the music. Martineau and the chamber ensemble deliver a sparkling performance as well. Some listeners may find a few of the tracks on this disc rather abrupt, as some of them last only thirty seconds or less. Many times, however, their brevity is appropriate, and directly relative to the texts.
Other highlights include a setting of Walt Whitman's "Look Down, Fair Moon", and Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"; perhaps the most beautiful setting of it I have ever heard. In both pieces, Rorem establishes setting with excellent use of the piano. The unpredictable melodic lines are sure to leave the listeners with something different to sink their teeth into.
Rorem brings an unprecedented eloquence to the field; one that is sure to stand the test of time. This compilation serves as a fantastic taste of Rorem's work, and an excellent example of a prolific contemporary American composer. If nothing else, consider it as a great way to brush up on British and American poetry. For something that will leave you enlightened and enchanted, I encourage you to seek out this collection.
Track Listings for Songs of Ned Rorem:
1. Sonnet [Bynner]
2. Clouds [Goodman]
3. Early In The Morning [Hillyer]
4. The Serpent [Roethke]
5. Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal [Tennyson]
6. Opus 101 [Bynner]
7. I Strolled Across An Open Field [Roethke]
8. To A Young Girl [Yeats]
9. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair [after Foster]
10. Ode [de Ronsard]
11. For Poulenc [O'Hara]
12. Littlle elegy [Wylie]
13. Alleluia
14. Look Down, Fair Moon [Whitman]
15. O You Whom I Often And Silently Come [Whitman]
16. I Will Always Love You [O'Hara]
17. The Tulip Tree [Goodman]
18. The Wintry Mind [Bynner]
19. I Am Rose [Stein]
20. The Lordly Hudson [Goodman]
21. O Do Not Love Too Long [Goodman]
22. Far - Far - Away [Tennyson]
23. For Susan [Goodman]
24. A Journey [Glaze]
25. Sometimes With One I Love [Goodman]
26. Love [Lodge]
27. Orchids [Roethke]
28. Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening [Frost]
29. Do I Love You More Than A Day [Larson]
30. Ferry Me Across The Water [Rossetti]
31. The Sowers [Bynner]
32. That Shadow, My Likeness [Whitman]
Here is a video featuring Susan Graham's recording of "Look Down, Fair Moon."
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