Cummings Songs
four songs for tenor and harpsichord
1979
9 minutes
Poems: e. e. cummings
Premiere: Warren Hoffer, tenor
John Metz, harpsichord
Arizona State University, Tempe
March 29, 1981
1. my sweet old etcetera aunt lucy
2. a pretty a day
3. mr youse needn't be so spry
4. if i have made, my lady, intricate
Composer Notes: Tenor Warren Hoffer commissioned these songs in order to meet a visiting harpsichordist, Mary Pendleton. They later became husband and wife.
Inspired by Cummings’ language and the personal nature of the commission, I incorporated elements of American popular music into the songs. I had used such elements before, but never extensively. The results in this case fascinated me, and incorporating and transforming vernacular elements eventually became a significant aspect of my style.