1: (Easy) No divisi in voice parts, accompaniment doubles or supports vocal parts, diatonic, symmetrical phrases, textures mostly homophonic, simple rhythms, stepwise voice leading (conjunct), moderate ranges, no extended techniques, and limited sustained singing.
2: (Medium Easy) Limited divisi, voices somewhat independent from accompaniment, some chromatics, phrases may be longer or more fragmented, mostly homophonic, moderate rhythmic complexity, some difficult intervals (disjunct motion), moderate ranges, extended techniques are simple, limited sustained singing.
3. (Medium) Limited divisi, unaccompanied, or with independent accompaniment (voice parts not doubled), many chromatics, phrases of varying lengths, more contrapuntal textures, moderately complex rhythms, some difficult intervals (disjunct motion), moderately difficult/challenging ranges, extended techniques are potentially challenging, and some sustained singing.
4. (Medium Difficult) Abundant divisi, unaccompanied, or accompanying instruments are fully independent from voice parts, many chromatics and/or key changes, long and/or broken phrases, potentially little homophony, complex rhythms, many difficult intervals (disjunct motion), difficult/challenging ranges, potentially difficult extended techniques, and a demand for sustained singing.
5. (Difficult) Adundant divis, unaccompanied, or accompanying instruments are fully independent from voice parts, many chromatics and/or key changes, long and/or broken phrases, potentially little homophony, complex rhythms, extreme ranges, use of challenging or unusual extended vocal techniques, abundant sustained singing.
1 review for The Clan of the Lichens (cycle)
Lindsay –
This is a beautiful song cycle which I have LOVED performing in a wide variety of contexts! It exudes joy, youth, wonder, and the magic connecting us to our world, and highlights so clearly the innocence and vulnerability of the young poet. The music perfectly captures the text, ranging from stunning lyricism to whimsical play.
A cycle that connects immediately with audiences, this is a wonderful choice for singers looking to fill a “meaty” part of their recital program, because it requires a great deal of stamina and flexibility and provides many rewarding challenges for both pianist and singer! Each song exists so beautifully on its own that any one of them could also easily be excerpted.
The first song is truly virtuosic, leaping and playing across a large vocal range. I ultimately found this piece challenging, but very fun and satisfying to work into my voice! The others require more sustained lyricism and subtle phrasing, so this is a perfect piece for a singer and pianist who know each other well.
I always discover new, wonderful things about this piece whenever I come back to it and always look forward to the next time I can bring it to a new audience!