Five Witter Bynner Songs

Yes I hear them
Coming down the stairs
The Wintry Mind
Opus 101
He never knew what was the matter with him

The poet Harold Witter Bynner  (1881-1968) was born in Brooklyn, New York.  He was a contemporary at Harvard of Wallace Stevens and FDR.  A close friend on D H and Frieda Lawrence, he was a passionate campaigner for equality for women and for African Americans.

Kenneth LaFave

Hollywood Elegie No 7
Five Elegies Nos 4 and 5
Nightmare

These four short songs are settings of texts by Brecht and by Eisler himself.  They all date from 1942, and illustrate the exiled composer's love/hate relationship with Hollywood - where he was summoned before the House Committee on un-American Activities.  His prosecutor there was (later President) Richard Milhouse Nixon!

Hanns Eisler

Before an Immense Sky - WORLD PREMIERE

somewhere i have never travelled
I see through your sweet eyes
Before an immense sky...
i carry your heart with me
Silent Noon
A Young Man's Exhortation

This new Song Cycle was commissioned by Philip Eve - with the help of family and friends - to celebrate his 50th Birthday last year.  Read Kenneth LaFave's article about writing the new cycle here

Kenneth LaFave

*****************************

Poème d'un Jour - Opus 21

Gabriel Fauré

L'Invitation au Voyage
Chanson Triste
Le Manoir de Rosamonde

Henri Duparc

An die ferne Geliebte - Opus 98

Ludwig van Beethoven