Edgar Allan Poe Recording Project Grant / Final Report
June 2, 2016
Internal Grant Program:
Principal Investigator:
Rank:
Department:
College:
Contact Information:
Creative and Performing Arts Grant Program
Edward J. Will Jr.
Associate Professor
Voice
Music
[email protected] phone: 803-777-1310
Proposal Title:
Award Amount:
Project Period:
Edgar Allan Poe Recording Project
$14,124.00
05/16/2014 – 05/16/2016
OVERVIEW AND PROJECT AIM
Given the significance of Edgar Allan Poe’s place in American literature, it is interesting to note
that classical composers have set relatively few of his works. A small number of songs for solo
voice exist and only a handful of these are designated for low voice. The latter is surprising, due
to the fact that troubled characters like those found in Poe’s writings are frequently assigned to
the bass voice in operatic and symphonic literature. With the goal of creating important new solo
settings of Poe’s writings, three well-known composers were approached. John Valerio agreed to
write a work for bass voice and chamber ensemble based on the epic poem “Ulalume”. Tayloe
Harding accepted the challenge of Poe’s famous “The Bells” and Lincoln Hanks assumed the
task of composing a setting of “Lenore.” In addition, Judith Cloud permitted the recording of her
recently composed setting of five Poe poems for bass including one of his finest works “Dream
within a Dream.”
TIMELINE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
February 2014
Grant award received
March 2014 – March 2015
Negotiations with composers including agreement on fee, selection of texts, and
completion of new solo compositions “Ulalume” “The Bells” and “Lenore” followed by
preliminary rehearsals. Discussions with Judith Cloud, composer of “Five Poe Poems for
Bass.” Consultation with recording engineer, Jeff Francis and reservation of School of
Music recital hall for recording sessions. Negotiations with Victor Sachse, president of
Centaur records. Discussion with musicians suited to the project and agreement on fees.
April 2015
Rehearsals
Edgar Allan Poe Recording Project Grant / Final Report
May 2015
Recording sessions: USC School of Music recital hall.
June 2015 – April 2016
Editing of recordings and final negotiations with Centaur Records. Preparation of liner
notes, artist biographies and photos. Completion of CD Master and high-resolution files
for streaming. Discussion of cover design with graphic designer, scheduling of photo
shoot and approval of completed cover.
May 2016 – June 2016
All files submitted to Centaur Records – CD release anticipated June 2016
BUDGET
Award Amount
$14,124.00
Commissions: Composers
Recording: Musicians
Audio Recording and Production: Engineer
CD Production and Distribution: Centaur Classics
Balance
3,083.10
3,393.52
2,306.40
4,950.00
$
390.98
OUTCOME
A quality recording of this unique nature promises to bring recognition to the University of
South Carolina and serve as a tool to recruit students from around the world. Such projects are
crucial to maintaining a highly recognized program. By issuing a recording on Centaur Records,
one of the oldest and largest independent classical labels in the United States, it is possible to
reach major international markets. Digital downloads will be available through iTunes and many
other download sites. Streams will be available through Spotify, YouTube, Naxos and other
streaming sites. Frequently, when new compositions are performed, their impact is limited to a
local audience. Issuing a commercially available CD of newly written songs based on the
writings of Edgar Allan Poe, insures wide dissemination of the research and will generate
interest leading to additional performances and commissions. Thanks to the work done in
preparing this CD, an invitation to perform selections from the recording resulted in February
2016 performances at Marshall University, Virginia Tech and at the annual conference of the
Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the College Music Society. Additional invitations and performances are
anticipated.