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Lyrics - Song Cycles
These two examples of Song Cycles were created in collaboration with composer Peter Urquhart. Both examples were performed as part of the Mid Season Recital series (2009-
14) produced by Alison Marshall with Peter Urquhart as Musical Director, principal tenor Brad Cooper performing.
Songs of Renewal: is the story of friendship everlasting, from youthful adventures and parting on life’s journey: The Lament, The Bond. Transfixed, is essentially about reunion.
LINK to Recordings.
Songs of a Neon Alley: was inspired by the night life around Kings Cross and Vittorio Bianci infamous all night coffee shop owner of over 25 years. The city is brough to life as it metamorphizes from day into night, drawing out the night people as the neon lights turn on to illuminate the city. The songs portray a selection of night scenes and night characters that work and perform at night.
Mid-Season Recital Series, Paddington Uniting Church, Sydney - 29 July 2007
Songs of Renewal Composer - Peter Urquhart; Lyricist - Alison Marshall
Performers Piano - Amber Hammond; Tenor - Brad Cooper; Violinist - Peter Urquhart
Songs of Renewal
Lament
LINK to Recordings.
Too fast our time draws near
Good bye, vain wave, Goodbye
The wind blows cold. The clouds follow you
My Heart aches. No sail. No sound.
Far out into the moonlight
My eyes search the horizon
The night can’t hide my tears
No veil can shroud my sorrow
No hand in mine
No warmth, no home
Alone I stand I falter
Where are you when I speak your name
Crushed beneath the silence
Heavy morning grey and cold
I shudder vacantly
I tremble at the waking dawn
Another day without you.
Longing for your voice
Can you hear me singing
My loves lament, my loves lament.
The Bond
LINK to Recordings.
Into the world each our path
How bright you shone on the night of nights
Each out journey far and wide
Will I tell you of my flight
For time has stood still on the ocean that binds
My heart gladdens I rejoice
Shall you know my face my voice
Hearing music. Strong from our youth that we shared
The link absorbs and leaves a trace
The fine air of your grace
Smiling faces life was so fresh and so new
Into the world each our path how bright you shone
Into the steps of the past
We watched sunsets and starlight appear.
Visions heat waves and clear winters days
Sun in our eyes showed no fear.
Hearing music. Strong from our youth that we shared.
Transfixed
LINK to Recordings.
Across the ocean of time I reach you near
Across the whirlpool of talk and sound
I hear you singing.
Morning bells I feel you calling, you calling near.
The echo of your step remains unchanged
Behold your shining eyes, steady, I am transfixed.
Parting so quiet, so still, no noise
A glimpse forever imbue sad joy
To meet again, what look what line
I know you forever in time.
Into the sandstorm, I see you clearly
And over the mountains, I find you peaceful
In my mind I hear your wisdom in a whisper, speaking
The echo of your step remains unchanged
Behold your shining eyes, steady, I am transfixed.
Rhythm breath in night time dreams
Warm air flows calm and serene.
The touch so light as silken thread
Circles through time and space.
Into the world of youths despair, I know your chant
Into the throws of loves regrets, you stand alone.
Capture the hearts of all who hear
Rekindle the memory ever clear.
The resonance of your song profound
I listen for the familiar sound
It cradles my senses for childhood I found
And drives my ship homeward bound
The echo of your step remains unchanged
Behold your shining eyes, steady, I am transfixed
Act 1. Come Hurry Near, Act 2. In the Middle of the Night,
Act 3 The Bar Owner's Lament, Act 4. Alleyway of Dreams
Songs of a Neon Alleyway
Come Hurry Near
Come hurry near, my love
The night beckons you to join
Her folly and her fame
A chance, a trix, a fix , a game.
Come calls the night
Open the door, enter the night
The curtain opens beware
City lights wake the dream
Stars herald the night, and they shine in our eyes til dawn.
Down alley ways open the cafes
Drinks all night
Night prowlers meet and talk
Street music in their ears.
Madam liberty strokes the flame
The night creatures come out to play.
Mayhew and mischief awaits you now
The nightingale haunts. Melodies of love.
Put on your face. Your dress
Your masquerade impress the scene
The glittering crowds gather near, what charm
What wealth, what wit, who knows,
Who Knows.
Parading along the strip, they shuffle and strut unaware
Flashing their legs on pointed high heels
The city heart beats to the sound of the voice
Calling to me.
The orchestra pit fills the theatre with sound
The violins tune to A
Actors in costume await....Their cue
In the Middle of the Night
LINK to Recordings.
In the middle of the night
In the middle of the night
Steeping out to meet my love
Waiting by the neon sign
Waiting for the chorus line
Theatre bells begin to chime
For the crowd who sit and stare
At the pretty dancing girls
With their feathered coloured hair.
In the middle of the night
Ballet slippers tap in time
To the rhythm and the rhyme
Of the violin with the beat
Always landing of their feet
Every step and every line
Every word is so sublime
Flashing eyes begin to shine
Anticipating the applause
Night after night
Another show another smile
I work the stage
I sing my lines the critics yawn
As I perform.
Dreaming of stardom
Dreaming of fame
Dancing to my heart strings
Life slips away
Too old for the lead role
Caste in dark parts
Note by note step by step
Echoes the past
The measure of my art
In the middle of the night
In the middle of the night
Players strut upon the stage
Acting out another scene
Another play Another dream
Lights illuminate the star
As they enter from afar
Curtain call and take a bow
For the big soliloquy
Night after night
Another show another smile
I work the stage
I sing my lines the critics yawn
As I perform.
Rehearsing my part
I practise all day
Hoping for a solo
To come my way
My voice is fine tuned
My gestures portray
Characters I've learnt
I know how to play
The measure of my art
The Bar Owners Lament
LINK to Recordings.
I serve all day all night party people
I serve all day all night lonely people
Half my life I work the bar
Drawn into the limelight
Hearing tales of mad men dreaming
Watching games of love -talk scheming
Stories of loss and freedom
Players cruise the scene grinning
I serve all day all night party people
I serve all day all night lonely people
I close the bar and face the dawn
Sleeping though the daylight
Enter, beckons the bar lights
Another happy crowd begins
After the show
Dancers tired
Actors wired
Come all drinking singing, cheering
Encore, Encore
The Allure of that sacred drop
The taste of wine, or rye or hops
Oh happy state to short
Forever another round
The night circles, another round
Another round.
Alleyway of Dreams
LINK to Recordings.
You come at Twilight
Your arms open for our embrace,
Captured by your perfume shawl
I melt into our world,
Time stands still ,quiet in the alleyway of dreams
Our love conquers all
Our days are measured, till we meet by the neon sign,
Aching for your gentle kiss ,
My heart beats amiss
Distracted by your look, your touch, your smile.
Anxious for your welcome call,
Hoping for your return.
Haunted forever by our love.
Our world unites day and night,
Our world Sanctus, perfect.
Hold me till the dawn
Together against the Darkness my love.
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