- André Previn
Honey and Rue (1992)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
First I'll Try Love
Whose House Is This?
The Town Is Lit
Do You Know Him?
I Am Not Seaworthy
Take My Mother Home
- 22(ca).22/2201/jazz drums/jazz bass/hp.pf/str
- Soprano
- 27 min
- Toni Morrison
Programme Note
Movements:
First I'll Try Love
Whose House Is This?
The Town Is Lit
Do You Know Him?
I Am Not Seaworthy
Take My Mother Home
Note:These six songs set to texts by Toni Morrison showcase Previn’s surety in writing for voice as well as his ability effortlessly to mix and meld musical styles. As he often does with works for orchestra and soloist his instrumental writing is subdued and much more chamber-like than one usually finds in such pieces. The space he creates always allows the soloist to blossom. An ease and elegance is evident throughout Honey and Rue. As the critic Bernard Holland wrote, ‘Honey and Rue shrinks from excess’. It is an altogether lovely piece.
First I'll Try Love
Whose House Is This?
The Town Is Lit
Do You Know Him?
I Am Not Seaworthy
Take My Mother Home
Note:These six songs set to texts by Toni Morrison showcase Previn’s surety in writing for voice as well as his ability effortlessly to mix and meld musical styles. As he often does with works for orchestra and soloist his instrumental writing is subdued and much more chamber-like than one usually finds in such pieces. The space he creates always allows the soloist to blossom. An ease and elegance is evident throughout Honey and Rue. As the critic Bernard Holland wrote, ‘Honey and Rue shrinks from excess’. It is an altogether lovely piece.
Media
Previn: Honey & Rue / Barber: Knoxville / Gershwin: Porgy and Bess