Everyday Magic
For Soprano and Piano | Range: A3 - G#5
A setting of Dr Julie Carter’s, Everyday Magic
Programme Notes
Dr Julie Carter and I met on BBC Radio Cumbria’s The Arty Show on 12th November 2018. Julie was discussing her latest poetry anthology, Is It Serious?, and I was presenting my song, Lamplight, which had been performed at the Armistice Centenary.
I was handed a red book and asked to have a flick through when I got the chance, so that I could have something to say about the anthology. I had my three month old with me, so I only managed to have a cursory glance, but immediately my breath caught in my chest. I had to close the book. Each time I attempted to read, I had the same immediate reaction. Julie’s poetry is so raw and honest and heartbreakingly beautiful.
A few months later, I was accepted onto PRS for Music’s Wild Plum Songbook workshop, and asked to write a song for mezzo soprano. Is It Serious? immediately came to mind and Julie and I discussed which poem would be best. Every time I read through the anthology, Everyday Magic kept jumping out at me. I can’t say that it was an easy poem to set; it has an uneven structure to the verses and often didn’t want to lend itself to music. I did question if music would add anything or if it just needed to be left alone. I am glad I persevered. It was only on completing the song that I realised how strongly I related to the sentiment, having had a recent bereavement and post- natal depression. It moves me every time I read it and I really have to thank Julie for allowing me to work with something so close to her heart.
Performance Instructions
This piece needs to be enjoyed, sung with genuine expression and for the words to take centre stage.
The glissandi are almost like you’ve run out of breath, but are so excited you keep trying to make your point. They need to be quite light, but don’t shy away from them. The second glissando from E - G# (bars 91 & 115) is optional.
As with all my pieces, steady tempos and rhythmic accuracy is key to making the piece work. Non rubato without losing the sense of flow and feeling of joy and relief, gratitude, sadness and lightness.
Duration: 3 minutes 20 seconds
PDF Digital Download
2 Copy License (Singer and Pianist)
Please support self-published composers and buy extra copies rather than photocopying
For Soprano and Piano | Range: A3 - G#5
A setting of Dr Julie Carter’s, Everyday Magic
Programme Notes
Dr Julie Carter and I met on BBC Radio Cumbria’s The Arty Show on 12th November 2018. Julie was discussing her latest poetry anthology, Is It Serious?, and I was presenting my song, Lamplight, which had been performed at the Armistice Centenary.
I was handed a red book and asked to have a flick through when I got the chance, so that I could have something to say about the anthology. I had my three month old with me, so I only managed to have a cursory glance, but immediately my breath caught in my chest. I had to close the book. Each time I attempted to read, I had the same immediate reaction. Julie’s poetry is so raw and honest and heartbreakingly beautiful.
A few months later, I was accepted onto PRS for Music’s Wild Plum Songbook workshop, and asked to write a song for mezzo soprano. Is It Serious? immediately came to mind and Julie and I discussed which poem would be best. Every time I read through the anthology, Everyday Magic kept jumping out at me. I can’t say that it was an easy poem to set; it has an uneven structure to the verses and often didn’t want to lend itself to music. I did question if music would add anything or if it just needed to be left alone. I am glad I persevered. It was only on completing the song that I realised how strongly I related to the sentiment, having had a recent bereavement and post- natal depression. It moves me every time I read it and I really have to thank Julie for allowing me to work with something so close to her heart.
Performance Instructions
This piece needs to be enjoyed, sung with genuine expression and for the words to take centre stage.
The glissandi are almost like you’ve run out of breath, but are so excited you keep trying to make your point. They need to be quite light, but don’t shy away from them. The second glissando from E - G# (bars 91 & 115) is optional.
As with all my pieces, steady tempos and rhythmic accuracy is key to making the piece work. Non rubato without losing the sense of flow and feeling of joy and relief, gratitude, sadness and lightness.
Duration: 3 minutes 20 seconds
PDF Digital Download
2 Copy License (Singer and Pianist)
Please support self-published composers and buy extra copies rather than photocopying