Composer: Tadd Russo
Piece: To_____ (1997)

Notes:

Originally composed for counter tenor, To_____ makes a great baritone or mezzo-soprano song in its original form, although it has been transcribed for higher voices. Composed for Tim Sarsany in 1997.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is one of America’s favorite, though misunderstood authors. He is known for his macabre poetry and short stories. Many critics have made the assumption that Poe was not of stable mind--possibly because most of his stories were written in the first person narrative. To be sure, he occasionally doubted his own mental stability; however, his writing process was extremely methodical and rational. His work demonstrates a predilection for vivid effect as he brought to light in his essay “The Philosophy of Composition”. Where he ponders, “Of the innumerable effects, or impressions, on which the heart, the intellect, or (more generally) the soul is susceptible, which one shall I, on the present occasion, select?”

To_____

Performed by Tim Sarsany, countertenor