Silent Night/Vocalise For Soprano And Cello
Martin Hennessy
About this work:
The passionate Japanese soprano, Tomoko Shibata, commissioned me to compose a piece for voice and cello for her Christmas Eve concert that year. Raised as a Buddhist she sought to transform the meaning of Silent Night so that it would embrace a universal sense of expectancy resisting any one religious belief. She talked about the “moment when all people allow the quiet place within.” She talked of a silent strength that cries out from the courage of the heart. Silent Night was premiered on December 24, 1997 at Oji Hall in Tokyo with Tomoko and cellist, Susumu Miyake. Heidi Skok and cellist, Joachim Woitun, performed the American premier at St. Bart’s Chapel, Park Avenue, on November 15, 1998.
Version: cello and soprano
Year composed: 1997
Duration: 00:05:53
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Solo Voice with One Non-keyboard Instrument
Instrumentation: 1 Cello, 1 Soprano