Songs for Girls (22'): A performance of this cycle incorporates three recordings of Martin Best singing troubadour tunes each followed by a newly composed “response song” which comments further on themes of love from afar. These new songs are scored for two sopranos rather than one male voice and set in English much of the original French texts. Instead of singing to an idealized woman (i.e. medieval songs about girls) my songs are sung by girls for each other.
Detailed staging directions are provided in the score. The overarching tone should be one of informality as if four friends have come together to listen and sing along to their favorite recordings. The stage should be set with a piano (lid removed, with the keyboard farthest from the audience). The piano must be prepared with 4 “bows” made from different color ribbons or fishing wire. A portable record player with a built in speaker is required as well as vinyl recordings of Martin Best singing three original troubadour songs.
Listen to response song number 2 (3')
(text taken from “Donna pos vos ay chausida” anon. circa 1300)
Lady, since I have chosen you,
Look kindly upon me
For I am at your command
All my life.I will be at your command
Every day of my life,
And I will never leave you for any other,
No matter who it may be.Erec did not love Enide as much,
Nor Tristan Isuet,
As I you, gracious lady,
Whom I love without guile.Lady since I have chosen you,
Look kindly upon me
For I am at your command
All my life.