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Paul English and the Inspiration for Lumiere Lunaire

Blog, February 13, 2012

“Moonstruck and moondrunk / the white-faced clown/ that intoxicated poet of wine that only eyes may drink/ Pierrot…”

So begins the poem Pierrot Lunaire , written by renowned conductor and ROCO friend, JoAnn Falletta. The poem, originally inspired by Arnold Schoenberg’s 1912 composition of the same name, has in turn motivated Paul English to compose Lumiere Lunaire on the occasion of the 100th anniversary  of Pierrot Lunaire’s premiere. English, an internationally recognized composer, pianist, producer and educator, was compelled by the history and evolution of the original piece, and though he responded to aspects of these works, he has created something completely new, which is sure to challenge and delight contemporary audiences.

The complex and storied history of Pierrot has spurred a canon of works, from music to poetry, upon which Composer Paul English was able to express his unique voice as a composer. One way English achieves this is by employing a distinctive vocal technique called Sprechtimme which lies somewhere between singing and speaking in German. It has notated rhythms and pitches, but the singer is required to leave each pitch as soon as it’s been sounded. Having orchestra members sing in such a fashion will be a first for ROCO, and will be an interesting accompaniment to the music they play.

English, though best known as a jazz pianist, is no stranger to composing in response to other works of art. A prolific and versatile composer, Paul has written music for radio, film and television, chamber and symphony orchestras, as well as for jazz and theater art groups. He has collaborated with poets, dancers, photographers, painters and film makers, and he has created music for the literary works of Gerard Manley Hopkins, Tennessee Williams, Pablo Neruda, Goethe, Rumi, Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, Lord Byron and Voltaire, among others. His commissioned compositions include a symphonic concerto, a cantata, various chamber works and several scores for film and mixed genre.

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  • Meet
    • About ROCO
    • Artists
    • Board & Team
    • Newsroom
    • Press Kit
  • Livestream
  • Attend
    • Season 18 Announced!
    • Performances
    • ROCOrooters
    • Accessibility
    • Pay What You Wish
  • Listen
    • Listening Room
    • ROCO on the Go
    • Album
    • Commissions, Premieres, & Rescores
  • Support
    • Ways to Support
    • ROCO Revelry Gala
    • ROCO Resound
    • Sponsors & Partners
    • Donate
  • Follow
    • ROCO Mobile App
  • Contact