Pieces of Songs

Pieces of Songs (2011)

Pieces of Songs (2011) is a set of movements for viola and piano, written for and commissioned by Andi Hemmenway. The work presents several musical 'tappas': Each of the pieces is meant to be a small portion or taste of a song. The viola in the singer, providing the clear vocalization of emotional expression in each song, and though the piano occasionally takes the lead, most of the time the keyboard acts as accompanist or back-up band. Over the collection of movements, Pieces of Songs presents a range of different moods and flavors, from agitation all the way to love-drunkeness.

Pieces of Songs was premiered by Andi and Jordan as part of Voices, a concert-length collaboration, on May 14, 2011 in Newtown Square, PA, and on May 18, 2011 at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA.

Performance History -

premiere:
Andi Hemmenway, viola, and Jordan Nelson, piano; Voices
May 18, 2011; Lang Hall, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
May 14, 2011; White Horse Village, Newtown Square, PA

II. And The Voice Of That Fitful Song Sings On

III. Pepper-Berry Trees

Andi Hemmenway, viola
Jordan Nelson, piano