Three Russian Nocturnes - Scott Wheeler

Composer: Scott Wheeler

Text: Osip Mandelstam Translated by Jody McAuliffe, Anna Akhmatova Translated by Jody McAuliffe, Alexander Blok Translated by Jody McAuliffe

Instrumentation: Voice (Baritone) and piano

Duration: Approx. 7 minutes

Date Written: 2021

Additional Information: Three Russian Nocturnes were commissioned by the Brooklyn Art Song Society, and are dedicated to their director Michael Brofman. It was Mike who initially suggested this particular selection of poets from the Russian Silver Age.

Bach cantatas are in the background of both the first and third songs in the set. The Mandelstam song “When the city moon appears on the square” echoes the aria “Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen” from the cantata "Ich habe genug.” The Blok song “Night” is roughly based on the chorale "Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walden” from Cantata 84, “Ich bin vergnuügt bit meinem Glücke.”

Special thanks to Jody McAuliffe for these superb new translations and for her insight into the poetry. Special thanks as well to Cecily and Alan Morse for their generous support of the premiere performance