Enlightenment (text: J. Warren Welch) for voice (or two voices) and piano; 4’(2018)
composer's note: J. Warren Welch is a writer best known for posting a new set of “rules for dating my daughters” on instagram that begins, “You'll have to ask them what their rules are.” Well, he’s known for that, but also for a kind of macho feminist attitude, oodles of foul language, and plentiful bare-assed weightlifting selfies. He posted the text that became “Enlightenment” last year while I was searching for texts to adapt into art songs, and his words were just such a satisfying breath of fresh air, I had to start writing immediately. Composing this song filled my home with maniacal cackling and glee; I hope experiencing it as an audience member does the same for you.