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Performances

I Mary, Mary by Herself (2023)

from Why Women Went West

for soprano, cello, and piano
4 minutes

Commission/Premiere Info:

“I Mary, Mary by Herself” is an aria for soprano, cello and piano, from the multi-media chamber opera Why Women Went West, in which two voices—I, Mary (soprano) and Mary by Herself, (recorded voice of soprano/spoken voice/electronics) tells the unfolding narrative of a sole woman protagonist and her journey west. Fourteen songs comprise the two-part narrative; with empathy, ritual, and passion they trace Mary’s experiences from her youth in a Midwest small town in late 19th century to her pioneer days in California, and finally to her wild west days in New Mexico where she eventually confronts death and overcomes the challenges that have plagued her throughout her life. Mary struggles with her decision to abandon her disabled daughter, her abusive and absent husband. She struggles with the conflicting voices in her head, she finally resolves to escape and find herself on her own, as a writer.

March 24, 2024 | Trio ACG at LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
March 22, 2024 | Trio ACG at Manhasset Public Library, NY
February 22, 2024 | Brightwork newmusic at Cal State Fullerton

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Perusal Score

To purchase the scores and parts, email Pamela Madsen directly at pmadsen@fullerton.edu.

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