A note from the composer...
Words,Wide Night was commissioned to celebrate the 40th (Ruby) Wedding Anniversary of Jane and Steve Lee in 2006. It was a surprise present from Steve to Jane and recorded at Studio 1, BBC Wales in April 2006 by Andrew Kennedy (tenor), Daniel Hill (piano) and the Carducci String Quartet. The world premiere took place at a private party for family and friends in August 2006 and the first public performance was given as part of the Concert Series at Cardiff University in April 2007.
The texts were chosen by Steve in collaboration with myself and include poems on the subject of love drawn from a wide selection of literary styles ranging over several centuries. These poems trace the couple’s time together from first meeting, to the establishment of their relationship and continuing years of marriage. The song cycle, consisting of eleven songs and five instrumental interludes, is divided into three main sections, broadly subtitled Expectation,Revelation and Confirmation, with a short additional fourth section, ‘……’, consisting of one song which draws the work to a close whilst also looking towards the couples’ future.
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