In Conversation with Lauren Vandervelden
Lauren Vandervelden
Your new piece for soprano and piano was inspired by Katie Swatland’s “Morning Sun.” Can you tell us about the elements of the painting that inspired your composition?
I find music to be a very visual art form, harmonies and melodies blending to form vivid colors and shapes. Consequently, drawing inspiration from a visual medium serves to direct my musical concept. The atmospheric nature of Swatland’s painting conveys serenity while also demonstrating the sublimity of nature. A small boat rests within a large body of water, its slightness juxtaposed with the grandeur of the natural world. I wanted to choose a text that reflected these themes, embodying the dreamlike, otherworldliness of “Morning Sun” through music.
What are some of the considerations when writing for voice that differ from instrumental writing?
As a violinist, I often compose for strings; I am especially drawn to write for solo violin. In some ways, string writing is similar to vocal writing, as string players strive to imitate the lyricism and effortlessness of the human voice. That being said, vocal writing comes with more restrictions. For instance, I must pay greater attention to register, as the timbre of the voice changes throughout the vocal range, whereas stringed instruments project more evenly across their registers. A violinist could play consistently in their upper register, but singing in this range requires greater effort and should be used more sparingly. Additionally, vocalists require breath and cannot sustain their lines without pause, thus I must structure my phrases accordingly. One must find a way to create space in the vocal line while maintaining a musical continuity.
“Morning Sun” by Katie Swatland
How does the text play a role in this composition and what is the text?
I chose to set Bessie Rayner Parkes’ (1829-1925) poem, “Music.” Parkes evokes the beauty and splendor of nature, intimating that music seems to emanate from the natural world. Her imagery aligns with the themes and aesthetic of Swatland’s painting, serving to articulate the character of “Morning Sun.” I was especially drawn to this text because of its simplicity. While the work is profound in meaning, the text is neither complicated nor dense. This provides ample room for the music, as it will not be overpowered by the lyrics.