Waka Songs (2005)

Scored for mezzo soprano and viola; challenging. 5 short songs, about 14 minutes total; range A3-F5. A waka is a traditional 31-syllable Japanese poem, the precursor of the haiku. As befits the concise character of the poems, these songs are brief. The expressive range is deliberately narrow and restrained in hopes of complimenting the understated elegance of the poetry. Modes and pentatonic scales are used extensively as modest references to traditional Japanese sounds. Performances of Waka Songs will be most effective in intimate venues.  $10, including score, viola part with cue line, demo; order here. Complete program notes can be viewed here.