As mentioned briefly under “Current Projects,” this is an on-going, multi-faceted, multi-year project that will not only generate 100 new LAS art songs, but it will also be tied to a 10-volume publishing project. Eventually, I believe that it will culminate in a series of recording projects.
Throughout my career, I have been inspired by and worked with remarkable singers. I feel extremely fortunate to have collaborated with so many great artists. Each song pays tribute to a specific singer. The volumes are being assembled by voice type, and will be published in groups of ten songs. My list is complete, but I am going to let the information emerge over time. I will add the names of the singers, song titles, and/or the names of the poets when it seems appropriate. This is a project that means a great deal to me.
My thoughts turn to composer Franz Schubert and poet Franz von Schober . . .
An die Musik, D. 547
Du holde Kunst, in wieviel grauen Stunden,
Wo mich des Lebens wilder Kreis umstrickt,
Hast du mein Herz zu warmer Lieb’ entzunden,
Hast mich in eine beßre Welt entrückt,
In eine beßre Welt entrückt!
Oft hat ein Seufzer deiner Harf’ entfloßen,
Ein süßer, heiliger Akkord von dir,
Den Himmel beßrer Zeiten mir erschloßen,
Du holde Kunst, ich danke dir dafür,
Du holde Kunst, ich danke dir!
To Music, D. 547
O blessed art, how often in dark hours,
When the savage ring of life tightens round me,
Have you kindled warm love in my heart,
Have transported me to a better world,
Transported to a better world!
Often a sigh has escaped from your harp,
A sweet, sacred harmony of yours,
Has opened up the heavens to better times for me,
O blessed art, I thank you for that,
O blessed art, I thank you!
* * * * *
100 Songs/100 Singers – Art Songs by Larry Alan Smith
Volume I (Soprano)
1. Who loves the rain (2024) – Frances Wells Shaw (1872-1937) – In honor of soprano Nancy Loesch Rotzetter
2. To — (2025) – Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) – In memory of soprano Deborah Lifton
Volume II (Mezzo-Soprano)
Volume III (Bass-Baritone)
Volume IV (Soprano)
Volume V (Tenor)
Volume VI (Soprano)
Volume VII (Mezzo-Soprano)
Volume VIII (Bass-Baritone)
Volume IX (Tenor)
Volume X (Soprano)