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
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