The Road Not Taken

Description

Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2, Piano, Cello — About the workFew American poems are as well known as The Road Not Taken. Robert Frost, the author, is an international icon, not unlike Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill or Mark Twain in their own disciplines. The poem is full of contradictions and quirks of form and structure. Perhaps that illusiveness is part of the poem's intrigue. But beyond all of the literary devices that only a few scholars may fully appreciate, this poem has taken on a sort of "fanfare for the common person" credo - a challenge to individualism, stepping out on one's own, and "breaking the mold" out of sheer determination if nothing else. Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. The message super cedes geography, culture, race or creed. Rather, it is part of the DNA of most every person on the planet - the inner desire to feel empowered to create one's own destiny, to forge a "road not taken," and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference.Rehearsal notesResearch strongly suggests that there is a "direct connection between the first rehearsal and the performance." First impressions last. I find it helpful to immediately lock three concepts into place - mechanics (notes/rhythms), text/phrasing (intent and motivation) and color (timbre). Performers need to think musically from the first reading forward (first impression). The cello is very much a collaborative instrument in this work, and should be located in front of the ensemble (not to side). Lastly, let the text "speak." The simplest melodic lines are often the most exposed. Keep the voices clear and transparent, floating over "the top" in softer passages, and singing with vibrancy and forward focus throughout.Z. Randall Stroope Z. Randall Stroope connects: through his teaching, his thoughtful compositions, and the poetry he chooses for his compositions. In his poem The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. Stroope employs both lush harmonies with simplistic melodic lines, all of which work beautifully to convey Frost's intent that there is an inner desire to feel empowered and to create one's own destiny by taking the road "less traveled by," and, in doing so, ultimately making a difference. For SSAA Voices, Piano, and Cello. Also available for SATB Voices (CM9714).

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