Tailor-made

One of the most exciting projects I have this semester is a composer-singer collaboration. Lia Purpura, an American poet, has been chosen as the artistic inspiration for a collection of works written by composition students here. I'm one of the singers involved in premiering the works.

The composer with whom I've been matched, CL, is fantastic. I met him today at a roundtable discussion with an artist who will be coaching the singers and conductors. (Ms. Purpura also came to visit in December and read her work and answered questions.)

CL warmly introduced himself after the discussion and said something like, "I know I write the piece, but I've always felt that the more important part is the singer's interpretation." This is incredible because I feel very much that there is an equal dialogue between composer and singer, between the composer's intent and the next layer the singer chooses to add. I want very much to collaborate with my composer on this project, and it looks like I'll be able to!

What's even more exciting is that he wants to come hear some of my voice lessons and to hear me sing. He was asking questions about where my voice sits, about what vowels it's comfortable to sing on in what registers. I think he's planning to really tailor the piece for my voice, which is INCREDIBLY exciting! It's so rare that you actually get to sit down with a living composer to question him about his intent in the piece, but to actually have something specifically written for you - wow.

CL is also so open. He asked me whether there were any poems that particularly spoke to me, and he's interested in hearing whether I have any suggestions for something for him to set. He's already picked a lovely one, but he's open to others as well.

This is by far the most exciting thing I've ever done in music. I'm so pleased about this!! What a lovely gift!!

~Hope