Ashberyana
- Instrumentation
- baritone, trombone, string quartet, piano
- Year
- 2004
- Duration
- 18:00
- Composed
- 12/28/2004 - 7/13/2004
Commissioned by Da Camera of Houston in honor of Sarah Rothenberg's 10 years as Artistic Director. Funds for this commission have been provided by Chamber Music America's Commissioning Program, supported by Chamber Music America Endowment Fund. Additional support provided by Works and Process at the Guggenheim and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“The vivid “Ashberyana” (2004), a setting of four poems by John Ashbery for baritone, string quartet, piano and trombone, gave a fuller account of Mr. Wuorinen's sense of color. The poetry is set with striking directness, and Leon Williams's rich, appealing baritone served it well. The instrumental writing, in contrast to the simplicity of the vocal line, provides a complex, lively and often humorous commentary.” Allan Kozinn, New York Times
