Nine Epigrams from Poor Richard
Elizabeth Vercoe
About this work:
"This is a hilariously funny work with wildly expressive, unusual vocal sounds." (NATS Journal)
Nine Epigrams was written for Joan LaBarbara during a residency at the Cummington Community of the Arts in the summer of 1986. The texts are humorous proverbs from Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac. Each proverb is sung, whispered or spoken, usually on tape, while the live voice makes commentary with sweeps of reinforced harmonics, glottal or yodel flutters, voiced whistles, and tongue clicks.
This piece may be performed by male or female voice. The singer prepares the tape from instructions in the score and performs with the resulting tape. Additionally, it is suggested that a male sing the section "Sally Laughs" in falsetto.
Year composed: 1986
Duration: 00:08:00
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Solo Voice without Accompaniment
Instrumentation: ,1 Mezzo-Soprano soloist(s), 1 Prerecorded Sound (Tape/CD/Other)
Instrumentation notes: For any voice with the singer prerecording herself/himself on tape.