Reviews: Shaffer: "...I have described
the text in such detail because it is so carefully planned and moving
that it would be extremely powerful when spoken. Shaffer's music is first
of all a marvelous enhancement. The intense, yet fluid rhythms are true
to the words, both in accent and in meaning. [This piece] demands skilled
performers, which this recording has. * Somary: "The
bouncing rhythm of Over the fence and the somewhat plodding rhythm
of the first lines of Some keep the Sabbath are appropriate,
and I found the distorted waltz rhythm of Two Butterflies went out
at Noon especially intriguing. The cycle opens and closes with poetry
about sunsets--a true circle--and Somary provides a Schumannesque touch
by adding an effective postlude. This is a fine addition to the repertoire
for women's voices." Jocelyn Mackey, Pan Pipes
of SAI. * [Shaffer] produces moments
of real power, beauty, and reflectivity...The exchanges between a solo
quartet and choir in section 7--Blessed are the peacemakers--are
quite effective, and the succeeding blessing and two prayers for peace
are lovely and quite moving. ... Written for women's voices with flute,
viola and piano, [the Somary piece] sets seven of Emily Dickinson's delightful
lesser trifles with tenderness and whimsy, illuminating Dickinson's poetic
images." American Record Guide.
Recording: Recording producer and post production:
Marnie Hall. Shaffer recorded by Jerry Bruck at John Harms Center for
the Arts, Englewood, New Jersey, October, 1996. Somary recorded by Malcolm
Addey at George's Episcopal Church in New York City, April, 1997. DDD.
Support: This recording is
made possible with public funds from The New York State Council on the
Arts, a state agency. Music Publishers: Jeanne
Shaffer, 1062 Woodley Road, Montgomery, AL 36106, phone 334-264-8745.
Johannes Somary, c/o the Horace Mann School in the Bronx, New York. Phone
718-548-4000. Cover and Graphic Design. Cover
Painting, "Portrait of Cousins," by Barbara Gallagher, owned
by Mr. & Mrs. Fred Applegate, © Barbara Gallagher, 1993. Graphic
Design: Marnie Hall .© Leonarda Productions, Inc., 1999. All
rights reserved.
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