event
event
works

we were (2021) 10'

text by David Lang (after Song of Songs)

solo SSA with chamber choir

co-commissioned by Flagey, Brussels, for Vox Clamantis, Tallinn, Jaan-Eik Tulve, Director; the Crossing, Philadelphia, Donald Nally, Director; and the Fisher Center at Bard College, New York

Program Note Libretto More Info

works
news
writing

First Person: Pulitzer Prize winning composer David Lang on the original Jewish love story

October 12, 2023

I wouldn’t say that I am super religious, but I am definitely religion-curious. It is a big part of my family background, and, to be honest, a big part of the history of my chosen field, Western classical music. For the past 1000 years, the church has been the most powerful commissioner of Western music, and its most active employer of musicians.

Because of this, much of our foundational repertoire is explicitly on the subject of how music helps a listener get in the mood for a religious experience…

continue reading