Kyle Wernke

High Voice and Piano

Composer's Note:

I never thought that vocal music would be large part of my life. I imagined I would be writing symphonies and string quartets. But many years into my professional career I've composed one opera, a cantata for bass, chorus, and orchestra, and (now) two song cycles, and I'm just now sitting down to write my first symphony. Life, and music, have a funny way of surprising you.

I came upon Walter De La Mare's poetry practically by accident. I was waiting on text from the librettist of the earlier mentioned cantata (DaVinci at the River) when I had this urge to write a song cycle for high voice and piano. I started looking for suitable poetry when I found De La Mare's poem "Autumn." I was captivated. I started searching for other poems and eventually found a set of nine that were neatly grouped according to seasons or months (winter to winter). Eventually I removed two of the poems and settled on seven poems. After finishing the original version for high voice and piano I decided to orchestrate the piece for high voice and chamber orchestra.

Each poem is, on a surface level, about a season, weather event, or month. But, as with most poetry, there is so much more upon deeper reflection. These poems have been my partner for over a year and as I read and re-read each one I found that I was constantly shifting my compositional approach. The process of composing this piece (in both versions) has been an immense joy. I hope you enjoy the work too.

Kyle Wernke
Rolla, MO
March, 2022