THURSDAY

for Soprano and Piano

Photo and Design Layout: Phoebe Cohen.

Photo and Design Layout: Phoebe Cohen.

Written: 1999
Duration: ca. 12'
Instrumentation: soprano and piano
Written for Judith Kellock
Chosen from a national call for scores for The Chicago Ensemble's "Discover America IV" concert, Sharon Quatrin, soprano, Gerald Rizzer, piano, Chicago, IL, November 11, 2001.
Premiere: Cornell Contemporary Chamber Players, Judith Kellock, soprano, Lisa Leong, piano, Cornell University, September 25, 1999.
Publisher: Bill Holab Music
 
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Program Note

The text for Thursday was conceived and written by two close friends, Bridget Meeds and Kenny Berkowitz, both excellent writers who possess an acute and often exquisitely wry sense of humor. Each movement attempts to paint a literary picture of the central character by introducing various people who are related to her. The work has six short movements, each one representing a different character.

– RP

  • THURSDAY
    For soprano and piano

    1. Introduction

    Hi, this is Annie.
    I’m not home,
    leave a message
    at the sound of the beep.


    2. 9:15 AM

    Hi Sis, it’s Kate.
    I’m wondering if I can come up this weekend,
    I just need a break, umm,
    the men in my department are being really nasty,
    my advisor is like totally undercutting me,
    I think they’re going to take my fellowship away.
    Ahhh! Oh, and Lydia is leaving.
    For good this time.
    Call me! Please.


    3. 10:42 AM

    This is your father.
    You haven’t called in three weeks
    and I am very angry.
    I want you and Pete to visit
    for your mother’s birthday,
    because I don’t want to be alone.
    And tell your sister Katie
    that she should phone her father
    every once in a while.
    You know where to reach me.


    4. 5:09 PM

    This is Mrs. White from Citibank Visa,
    calling to remind Ann Brennan
    that her payments are now four months past due.
    It is urgent that she call me back
    as soon as possible
    at 1-800-248-2265
    between 9 and 5
    so we may discuss how she intends to fulfill
    her financial obligation.


    5. 6:05 PM

    Hey, it’s Pete,
    I’m gonna be a little late tonight, sorry.
    Actually, I have to work all night, I’m really sorry.
    Look, we have to talk,
    cause I was doing deliveries this afternoon
    and this guy came outta nowhere
    and your car got scratched.
    Well, maybe it’s a little worse than a scratch,
    but don’t get upset, it’s not that bad,
    not like it’s totalled or anything.
    Look, you know I love you,
    I’m sorry about tonight.
    I’ll make it up to you, I promise.
    This is not how I wanted to spend my Thursday, believe me.
    Gotta go, the pizza’s waiting.
    See ya later.


    6. 6:15 PM

    Hi honey, it’s Tess:
    it’s three o’clock here
    so it must be six where you are...
    I just opened the mail and I love your picture...
    You look so beautiful!
    I’m sending you a...I’m sending a surprise.
    I love you, call me when you get home,
    it’s just me and the cat tonight...
    bye.

    Text Copyright © 1999 Kenny Berkowitz and Bridget Meeds. Used With Permission.

Press Quotes

“Subtle and intricate musical settings that truly define the words “art songs”... intricate, idiomatic to the text, very colorful, and brilliantly wedded to the subtle nuances of vocal expression.”
— Steven Ritter, Audiophile Audition
“Thursday especially appealed to me, both words and music. The characterization was clear and convincing. I hope you are thinking about more vocal music!”
— John Harbison, Composer, Winner of the MacArthur Award and Pulitzer Prize in Music
“[Thursday] is really a fantastic, brilliantly-written, beautifully crafted, clever and witty piece, and written very well for the piano!”
— Elaine Kwon, Pianist, Model; Affiliate Artist, MIT