H.L. Adams: Daybirth
Expected to ship in 2-3 weeks.
- Composer: H. Leslie Adams (1932-)
- Instrumentation: Piano, Voice
- Work: Daybirth (2008)
- Binding: Spiral Bound
- Size: 9.0 x 12.0 inches
Description
Full Edition with All Voice Ranges
Daybirth is a song group (rather than cycle) yet the consistency of lyrical style, point of view and attitude connect these texts in a unified manner. The songs can be performed individually or combined in various groups. The overriding poetic themes of love, peace and joy are matched by their respective musical settings.
Adams met Joette McDonald, a poet from Vermilion, Ohio in 1992, when they found themselves seat companions at a theatrical performance in Cleveland, Ohio. During their conversation, they found they shared something in common. Subsequently, McDonald sent Adams some of her poems, and the composer was struck by the lyricism, beauty, and deceptive simplicity of the poems. Adams decided to set some of these lovely poems to music and, with the poet's approval, began a collaboration that encompassed a quite extensive song group.
"On This Day" expresses pure joy from contrasting perspectives ("look forward, look back, hold fast, let go ... ").
"Love Union" (or "Christ at a Wedding") calls forth a Christ presence in the blessing of newly weds, as the two become one.
"In the Midnight of My Soul" calls for a guiding light and beacon of inspiration during times of challenge. "In the maze of weary days You are the compass and the chart."
"Cantus" again addresses life's contradictions that turn out to be blessings in disguise. "He will conquer us to bless us, bring us down to elevate." The singer finally succumbs to the "Lord of gentle persuasion" and resides in the comfort that all is in control.
"Anniversary Song" expresses the physical and emotional attraction of two loving, more mature beings as they recall their wonderful life together.
"Daybirth" is another expression of joy as the subject runs toward the sunrise. The subject comes to realize a close connection with the Infinite.
"Flying" expresses the highs and lows of life's experiences, and the beauty of these contrasting states.
"From a Hotel Room" was, according to the poet, written at just such a location, At one point the subject realizes "the window really isn't mine; I have it for a day ... just now I hold the ownership." In "Love Request" the subject asks his/her love to "come walk with me" and "come sit with m me for a little while." The loving presence and the touch of one's love soothes the soul.
"Lullaby Eternal" sings of a parent's (or a creator's) moment of repose before releasing his/her "creation" to the world. "Soon tomorrow comes, child, times cries out to you": we must release our creation to go forth into the world, and this song expresses our feeling of satisfaction before such a farewell.
"Midas, Poor Midas" comes from a larger set of poems dealing with the mythical King who loved his wealth too much. The settings are half tongue in cheek, half serious, as Midas drowns in a sea of his coins and jewels.
"Song to Baby Jesus" and "Song of the Innkeeper's Children" have sacred subjects based on the birth of the Christ.
"Song of Thanks" is an expression of gratitude for the goodness of one's benefits. "Wave and the Shore" like "Love Union" expresses the joy of two people becoming one in a loving commitment.
"Contentment" is yet another expression of pleasure of two lover's union ("Let's share the sunset, whatever the cost." "The package that's offered was tailored for us.")
In "Night People," the poet admits to "a world out there that happens after midnight" to which he/she may be unfamiliar, yet finds fascinating. It's a relatively unknown and unfamiliar world, and the song ends with the admission that it's a setting that may remain unknown.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
H.L. Adams: Daybirth
