Headfirst

for mezzo-soprano and orchestra (2+picc.2+eh.2+bass.2+cbsn-4.3.2+bass.1-timp.2perc-pno.hp-str)
also available as mezzo-soprano and piano
​Text by Ocean Vuong
Premiere (piano version): Mary Burke, mezzo-soprano - Allison Tsai, piano
April 19, 2017 - Griswold Hall, Peabody Institute - Baltimore, MD
Duration - 8'

     There are few feelings (in my experience) that can compare to the visceral reaction I felt when I first read the poetry of Ocean Vuong. Ocean’s words are imbued with a meticulous design, and an impeccable sense for architectures both large and small. After reading Ocean’s poetry, it became a mission of mine to set his words, and Ocean was grateful and trusting enough to allow me to work with his poetry. The speaker of the poem is Ocean’s mother, who gives her son advice that is in turns rapturous and sublime. The piece oscillates between the key areas of A and D, constantly exploring the interplay between the two keys, as well as the shadings that occur in their permutations. 

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

April 19, 2017 - Mary Burke & Allison Tsai - Griswold Hall, Peabody Institute - Baltimore, MD