Hindemith (1895-1963) “When Lilacs last in the Dooryard bloom’d: A Requiem For those we love”.
Words, Walt Whitman.
1. Prelude
2. Quiet – When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d (baritone and chorus)
3. Arioso. In the swamp (mezzo-soprano)
4. March. Over the breast of spring
5. Fast. O western orb (baritone and chorus)
6. Arioso. Sing on, there in the swamp
7. Song. O how shall I warble
8. Introduction and Fugue. Lo! body and soul
9. Sing on! you gray-brown bird
10. Death Carol. Come, lovely and soothing Death (chorus)
11. To the tally of my soul
12. Finale. Passing the visions (mezzo-soprano, baritone, and chorus).
Louise Parker, contralto & George London, bass-baritone
The Schola Cantorum of New York
New York Philharmonic
“Sing on! you gray-brown bird”
I heard the original radio broadcast and had the great fortune to be in the chorus when Robert Shaw conducted it in Lexington, Ky. I don’t think I‘ve heard it performed since. There may be greater and more moving works from the last century. Then again there may not be. Thank you for posting it.