Self: Songs of Immortality
Version for Baritone & String Orchestra
Expected to ship in about a month.
Shipping Policy- Composer: Susannah Self
- Format: Full Score - Format guide
- Instrumentation (this edition): Baritone, String Orchestra
- Originally for: Cello, Piano, Baritone
- Work: Songs of Immortality (2011)
- Work language: English
Description
The cycle comprises settings of poems by six poets known as "The Dymock Poets". They met regularly to walk, eat, drink and commune in the village of Dymock near Malvern before the First World War. Their "oeuvre" eagerly embraces questions of immortality which from poets of such youth is perhaps best explained by the fact that war was imminently on the horizon. of the six only two were involved in active service: Edward Thomas who died in the field and Rupert Brooke who died of an infection en route to battle and is buried on the Greek island of Skyros. Meanwhile Robert Frost decided to return to America. His iconic "The Road Less Traveled", usually interpreted in a very deep way, is here set with the knowledge that Frost probably wrote it to tease his friend Edward Thomas who had a predeliction to be indecisive. Even when Thomas had decided to sign up he was still not sure he had made the right decision! The three other poets, Wilfrid Wilson Gibson, Lascelles Abercrombie and John Drinkwater, found exemption from the war for a variety of reasons. There is a sense in the Dymock Poets' poems collectively that the World was about to change forever and that the old ways would soon be history. However they also display a universal insight into the vulnerability and numinosity of being in the present which they would say was also ever present in the past and future. in other words life signals us with endless clues that point us towards the existence of immortality.
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.
Digital Download
Digital, PDF version of the score.
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.
