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THE BILLY COLLINS SUITE

Playing  Sample Track 9  

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 REVIEWS

“Rarely do I listen to a CD of new works and instantly feel that every work/set is not only masterfully crafted but a true masterpiece; these all unquestionably are.”
—Classical Voice of New England

“First rate performances of superb new works that demonstrate clearly the special magic that is possible when great words are wed to great music.”
—Journal of Singing

Cedille's policy of adventurous programming triumphs here in an intelligent celebration of the poetry of poet laureate Billy Collins....In Fanfare 33:3, I gave a very positive review to Lita Grier's disc on Cedillel. The positive feelings are enhanced and reinforced by the music here. Grier chose two poems on the subject of loss. In the first, "Forgetfulness", the clarinet plays an exquisite counterpoint against (the) long vocal lines...The nostalgic waltz rhythms of "Dancing Towards Bethlehem" invoke a sense of cozy safety."
Fanfare Magazine

"The poignant...settings of Lita Grier, "Forgetfulness" and "Dancing Towards Bethlehem" are about loss, and Grier creates two vest-pocket opera scenes to accommodate the verse. The melancholy "second voice" provided by the clarinet is just right for these settings....As a Billy Collins enthusiast, I think this project mostly does the poet proud.
Audiophile Audition

"Chicago's classical staple, Cedille Records celebrated its 20th anniversary and released The Billy Collins Suite: Songs Inspired by His Poetry", a lovely album that captures the details and playful spirit of the former US poet laureate with a sundry of original compositions, including doozies by Music in the Loft vets Lita Grier and Vivian Fung"
One of 10 Best of 2009
Time Out/Chicago

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