Liner Notes
Cat. No. NWCR685
Release Date: 2007-01-01
Peter Stewart, baritone; Lee Hoiby, piano
One of the most intriguing questions that has confronted me as a singer has been, “What kind of music do I really want to sing?” Surely something that sounds so simple must be obvious. But in 1989 I was given the opportunity to commission some songs for my New York recital debut, and choosing a composer was not such an easy decision. I wanted the songs to be serious, in the tradition of Lieder, but to speak with a genuine, American voice. Rather than looking for experimental or abstract expressions, I realized I craved a direct, lyrical vocabulary with elements of melody; phrases that were crafted to bring out the beauty of the human voice. Who to choose?
A friend suggested Lee Hoiby. We arranged to meet, and soon, with the help of Mark Shulgasser—who selects most of the texts Lee sets—I Was There, the first group of songs represented here, was written.
In the process of his getting to know my voice, we went through much of his music. Finding so many pieces that were previously unrecorded gave me the idea for this project. —Peter Stewart
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.
One of the most intriguing questions that has confronted me as a singer has been, “What kind of music do I really want to sing?” Surely something that sounds so simple must be obvious. But in 1989 I was given the opportunity to commission some songs for my New York recital debut, and choosing a composer was not such an easy decision. I wanted the songs to be serious, in the tradition of Lieder, but to speak with a genuine, American voice. Rather than looking for experimental or abstract expressions, I realized I craved a direct, lyrical vocabulary with elements of melody; phrases that were crafted to bring out the beauty of the human voice. Who to choose?
A friend suggested Lee Hoiby. We arranged to meet, and soon, with the help of Mark Shulgasser—who selects most of the texts Lee sets—I Was There, the first group of songs represented here, was written.
In the process of his getting to know my voice, we went through much of his music. Finding so many pieces that were previously unrecorded gave me the idea for this project. —Peter Stewart
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Continual Conversation with a Silent Man – Songs of Lee Hoiby
| MP3/320 | $9.99 | |
| FLAC | $9.99 | |
| WAV | $9.99 | |
| CD-R | $9.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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I Was There: I. Beginning My Studies
Lee Hoiby
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I Was There: II. I Was There
Lee Hoiby
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I Was There: III. A Clear Midnight
Lee Hoiby
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I Was There: IV. O Captain! My Captain!
Lee Hoiby
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I Was There: V. Joy, Shipmate, Joy!
Lee Hoiby
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Buy
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Two Songs of Innocence: The Lamb
Lee Hoiby
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Buy
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Two Songs of Innocence: The Shepherd
Lee Hoiby
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Buy
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Immortality
Lee Hoiby
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O Florida: I. Floral Decorations for Bananas
Lee Hoiby
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O Florida: II. Gubbinal
Lee Hoiby
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Buy
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O Florida: III. Continual Conversation With A Silent Man
Lee Hoiby
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Buy
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O Florida: IV. Before My Door
Lee Hoiby
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O Florida: V. O Florida, Venereal Soil
Lee Hoiby
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Why Don't You?
Lee Hoiby
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Night
Lee Hoiby
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What If...
Lee Hoiby
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Investiture at Cecconi's
Lee Hoiby
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Buy
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Where The Music Comes From
Lee Hoiby
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Buy
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