The Condition For All Poetry (a song on a poem by William Packard)
Matthew Baier
About this work:
The Condition For All Poetry
Reading this poem for the first time I was struck by the rhythm of the sentences. It created for me a sense of momentum towards themes and images in the poem that I found suggestive of a song consisting of alternately spoken and sung male and female voices. The combination of spoken narrative with melody I feel enhance the poet’s posits and I hope that they will resonate with each listener’s personal experiences of love and transcendence.
The guitar accompaniment for this piece was derived from the letters (capitalized by Packard) in the first line of each verse and aligned in the mode of D Lydian. The voice parts were created following the syllabic flow and unfolding dramatic affect of the poem.
Note on William Packard by Peter Arcese:
William Packard (1933-2002) helped shape the course of poetry in America as the founder and editor of the New York Quarterly. He made poetry his life and a life in poetry. For over 30 years he conducted poetry workshops across the Northeast, including legendary classes at The New School and New York University. Also renowned for his work in theatre, his translation of Racine’s Phedre was produced Off-Broadway with Beatrice Straight and Mildred Dunnock. Otto Preminger directed his play Sandra and the Janitor. Packard was equally at home in academia and the acting studio. He trained hundreds of professionals and students in poetry for theatre and playwriting, working closely with Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen at HB Studio in New York City. As an artist, teacher and mentor Packard was and continues to be a vital force in the lives of so many poets, actors and playwrights.
Version: 2004 for soprano, Baritone and Guitar
Year composed: 2004
Duration: 00:05:38
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Two or More Solo Voices One Non-Keyboard Instrument
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: Soprano, Baritone and Guitar