Jordan Hunt Songs Without (2016 AWARD)
for soprano and piano trio
Performances in 2016 at Aldeburgh Church, the Ashmolean Museum Oxford, Glossop Music Festival and in 2019 at Temple Church*, London.
performed by Katherine Broderick, Angell Trio (*w/ Tom Poster)
Songs Without is a nod to Mendelssohn's set of piano pieces Songs Without Words, the idea turned on its head. A set of enigmatic songs with words, but without something else; simple, powerful, personal, direct and emotive; a song cycle that does not mention by name the subject they are painting.
Jordan wrote the songs especially for soprano Katherine Broderick, a dear friend who he met eighteen years ago on his first day at music college, and stem from their personal experiences; a silent spouse, the unconditional love of a mother, letting go of possessions, a memory passed through generations and reviving loved ones who have passed.
Each song has an alternative title, offering an insight to the layered meanings derived from the lyrics, literally and metaphorically. Mendelssohn wrote sets of six piano pieces, whereas I managed five songs.
The piece is dedicated to Anne Cuddigan
To obtain a copy of any of the commissioned recordings, please contact the Trust at info@michaelcuddigantrust.com
Jordan Hunt is a composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist.
In March 2018 he released debut EP Long Lost on 12” vinyl. His debut single ‘Mother’ was premiered on BBC Radio 6 Music and the music video was premiered by Another Man, admiring his "mesmerising... spellbinding melodic pop sound”.
Classically trained at RNCM, RAM and RCM, and drawing on his experiences as violinist in art-pop orchestra The Irrepressibles, Canadian band The Hidden Cameras and as long-standing musical companion to Grammy-nominated Olivia Chaney, he creates vivid, emotive music, weaving melodic ‘sad pop’ and symphonic-inspired textures.
He is a co-founder of Principle Six, and is Musical Director of the Theo Adams Company, an ever-growing and diverse London-based collective of artists, designers, dancers, musicians, and performers. www.jordan-hunt.com
Katherine Broderick was the winner of the 2007 Kathleen Ferrier award. She studied at the National Opera Studio, London, having won the gold medal at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She performs regularly in opera and at concert venues throughout Europe and made her debut in the BBC proms in 2007.
She wins praise for her expressive range and versatility across repertoire that spans intimate lieder recitals to orchestral songs and leading Wagner roles.
She is in great demand at international opera houses, concert halls and recital stages, as well as enjoying a busy recording schedule. www.katherinebroderick.com
The Angell Trio (Frances Angell - piano, Jan Schmolck - violin and Sally Pendlebury - Cello) has established an international reputation as a leading chamber ensemble and has received much critical acclaim for its "brilliant ensemble playing and wonderfully shared vision and understanding." (Munchner Merkur review of Bavarian Radio concert)
