Composer

:

Lori Laitman

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

2001

Average_duration

:

2:35

'Homeless' is a song cycle composed by Lori Laitman, an American composer known for her vocal music. The cycle was composed in 2000 and premiered in the same year at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The cycle consists of six movements, each of which sets a poem about homelessness by a different poet. The first movement, "The Street Has Changed," sets a poem by Denise Levertov. The music is sparse and haunting, with a repetitive piano figure and a vocal line that is mostly spoken. The second movement, "The Homeless One," sets a poem by Langston Hughes. The music is more lyrical and expressive, with a soaring vocal line and a piano accompaniment that is both delicate and powerful. The third movement, "The Homeless Woman," sets a poem by Marge Piercy. The music is slow and mournful, with a vocal line that is full of longing and sadness. The fourth movement, "The Homeless Man," sets a poem by William Heyen. The music is more rhythmic and energetic, with a driving piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of anger and frustration. The fifth movement, "The Homeless Child," sets a poem by Dorothy Walters. The music is gentle and tender, with a simple piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of innocence and vulnerability. The final movement, "The Homeless Ghost," sets a poem by Galway Kinnell. The music is eerie and atmospheric, with a vocal line that is full of mystery and longing. Overall, 'Homeless' is a powerful and moving cycle that explores the theme of homelessness from a variety of perspectives. Laitman's music is sensitive and expressive, and she captures the emotional depth of each poem with great skill and sensitivity. The cycle is a testament to the power of music to give voice to those who are often unheard, and to bring attention to important social issues.

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