Notes and Editorial Reviews
Whether it is as a composer, concert pianist or actor, Robert Owens has earned a career and respect that many would envy. He has written extensively for solo voice, with a particular emphasis on texts by great writers. As an African-American, he is quick to emphasize that his songs are not written for any particular race. They are to be sung by all people who appreciate fine song writing. He was born in Denison, Texas, but grew up in Berkeley, California, raised by his mother who taught him piano. Following her death in 1937, he continued his piano and theory studies and, at 15, performed as soloist in the premiere of his Piano Concerto. During this same time he composed his first songs, Images. These offer the poetry of Paul Laurence
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Dunbar and Waring Cuney. From there Owens went on to compose songs to the poetry of Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, Countee Cullen and, most notably, Langston Hughes. Over the following decades, after serving in the armed forces and studying in Europe, he continued to compose with an emphasis on vocal works, reflecting his own life, his exposure to racism, and his desire to express the core truth of the poetry he was setting. Founder of the African-American Art Song Alliance, tenor Darryl Taylor's international itinerary includes performing both in the United States and throughout Europe. He has premiered numerous works. He is much in demand as a lecturer on African-American Art Song, having given recitals and master classes at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music and at Cambridge College, England. Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
No Images by Robert Owens
Performer:
Darryl Taylor (Tenor),
Robert Owens (Piano)
Period: 20th Century
2.
Four Motivations by Robert Owens
Performer:
Ana Milosavljevic (Violin),
Darryl Taylor (Tenor),
Robert Owens (Piano),
Eddy Malave (Viola)
Period: 20th Century
3.
Stanzas for Music by Robert Owens
Performer:
Darryl Taylor (Tenor),
Robert Owens (Piano)
Period: 20th Century
5.
Euclid Alone by Robert Owens
Performer:
Darryl Taylor (Tenor),
Robert Owens (Piano)
Period: 20th Century
7.
Fields of Wonder by Robert Owens
Performer:
Robert Owens (Piano),
Darryl Taylor (Tenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Fields of Wonder String Quartet
Period: 20th Century
8.
The Crucifixion by Robert Owens
Performer:
Robert Owens (Piano),
Darryl Taylor (Tenor)
Period: 20th Century
9.
I Got a Home In-a Dat Rock by Robert Owens
Performer:
Robert Owens (Piano),
Darryl Taylor (Tenor),
Ana Milosavljevic (Violin)
Period: 20th Century
Sound Samples
4 Motivations: No. 1. The Cottager to her infant
4 Motivations: No. 2. Hope
4 Motivations: No. 3. A Complaint
4 Motivations: No. 4. Could I But Ride Indefinite
Stanzas for Music: I. Bright Be The Place of Thy soul
Stanzas for Music: II. When We Two Parted
Stanzas for Music: III. Oh! Snatch'd Away in Beauty's Bloom
Stanzas for Music: IV. So We'll Go No More A-Roving
What Lips My Lips Have Kissed
3 Countee Cullen Songs: No. 1. From The Dark Tower
3 Countee Cullen Songs: No. 2. Yet Do I Marvel
3 Countee Cullen Songs: No. 3. For a Poet
Fields of Wonder: I. Introduction
Fields of Wonder: I. Fulfillment
Fields of Wonder: I. Night Song
Fields of Wonder: I. Silence
Fields of Wonder: I. Carolina Cabin
Fields of Wonder: I. Songs
Fields of Wonder: I. In Time of Silver Rain
Fields of Wonder: II. Desire
Fields of Wonder: II. Dream
Fields of Wonder: II. Juliette
Fields of Wonder: III. Man
Fields of Wonder: III. Sleep
I Got a Home In-a Dat Rock
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