Death Songs

Death songs is a song cycle for string quintet and voice. I was inspired by different

genres of folk songs I had grown up listening to and playing that all had a similar

theme - death. Each song dealt with the subject in their own way - either with a

sense of whimsical humor or a feeling of darkness and fear. This piece contains three

folk songs dealing with the subject of death - one American traditional, two Irish

traditional - and two original text settings inspired by the three folk songs.

I. O’Death: an American folk song

II. Memories: with text by Abigail Johnson

III. Parting Glass: an Irish folk song

IV. Stained Glass Butterflies: with text by Tatiana Radjukovic

V. Wind that Shakes the Barley: an Irish folk song

Five-piece song cycle for voice and string quintet; 16'; premiered at Gamble Hall, Berea, OH, 2017

recording found here

                                                                                                                                                           Contact Abigail Johnson for score and parts at abigailmariejohnson@gmail.com