Compton Publishing

The Wordsmith’s Guide: Poetry, Music & Imagination.

Volume II: The Songs of Ivor Gurney

Nicola Harrison

The result of years of study, teaching and performance, and informed throughout by the author's love of poetry, Nicola Harrison invites the singer to think more expansively about the way they approach and sing English Song. The result of her work is unique, refreshing, and is certain to change the way singers perform and experience these classic songs In this second volume (of a planned series of Wordsmith's Guides - the first volume on Roger Quilter is published simultaneously), focusing on the music of Ivor Gurney, she examines the poetry and lyrics of their songs, taking into account the context in which the words were written - the symbolism, mythologies, religion, philosophy, and the many other influences on the writer - digging deep into the text with fascinating results. Her exploration of English Song is entertaining, witty and illuminating, exploring the magical relationship of words and music, and the way each separate art is painted by the other. To this end, each song is offered as a mini narrative that invites the singer into a new world, firing the imagination and guiding them to make their own interpretations. Offering both the well-known and the lesser known songs of these two composers, Nicola Harrison encourages a deeper exploration of the repertoire. Here, the singer will find new songs to perform - and a fresh and authentic way of performing them. Further, those studying the literature may well find new insights and also a new understanding of the myth and subtle meaning of the lyrics.

Nicola Harrison has a unique portfolio of skills, all brought to bear in this book. As a school-leaver she won a scholarship to train with the mezzo-soprano Pamela Bowden and went on to be taught by the late Pamela Cook MBE (RNCM) and, in Spain, by legendary mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza. Following graduation in English at the University of Oxford, she went on to train in nursing at the Westminster and Chelsea Hospital, London, during which time she was awarded the prestigious Wolfson Prize. After qualifying, she specialized in Ear, Nose and Throat and Voice Clinic. Nicola has also worked as a journalist and writer, contributing to national newspapers and singing-related media.

Currently, she is Lecturer in Singing and Song Interpretation at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, Lecturer in Teacher’s Voice at Westminster College of Education, London, and is a visiting lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. She has also been the voice and singing coach to the choral scholars of Brasenose College, University of Oxford and, in the past, to the young stars of Billy Elliot the Musical. Many of her students have gone on to become highly successful professionals. In addition, she continues to perform the Spanish repertoire with the critically-acclaimed touring company, Casa Margarita.

In her teaching and research she has focused on clarifying the language used to teach singing, resulting in a highly effective anatomy-based vocabulary for conveying a solid and liberated vocal techique.

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The Wordsmith’s Guide: Poetry, Music & Imagination.

Volume II: The Songs of Ivor Gurney

Nicola Harrison

Contents

Biographical Notes

A Personal Note Note on Song Order

Songs, alphabetical:

All Night under the Moon

Aspens, The

Black Stitchel

Bread and Cherries

By a Bierside

Cloths of Heaven, The

Cradle Song, A

Desire in Spring

Down by the Salley Gardens

Epitaph, An

Even such is Time

Far Country, The

Far in a Western Brookland

Fiddler of Dooney, The

Fields are Full, The

Folly of being Comforted, The

Golden Friends

In Flanders

Is my team ploughing?

I will go with my father a-ploughing

Loveliest of Trees

Ludlow Fair

March

On the idle hill of summer

Orpheus with his Lute

Reveille

Scribe, The

Severn Meadows

Singer, The

Sleep

Spring

Tears

The Lent Lily

Tis time, I think, by Wenlock town

Twa Corbies, The

Twice a Week

Under the Greenwood Tree

When I was one and twenty

When Smoke Stood Up from Ludlow

Song List by Publication

Discography

Printed Music

In her teaching and research she has focused on clarifying the language used to teach singing, resulting in a highly effective anatomy-based vocabulary for conveying a solid and liberated vocal techique.

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