Evensong: Of Love and Angels


Of Love and Angels

3:00


September 23, 2009
Dominick Argento and Carolyn Bailey
Dominick Argento and Carolyn Bailey were married for nearly 40 years before her death in 2006. Argento considers the piece he wrote after her death his best work.
Photo courtesy: VocalEssence

This coming Friday, VocalEssence performs "Evensong," the latest work by Minnesota composer Dominick Argento.

Three years ago, Argento lost his wife and muse Carolyn. When she died, he thought his will to compose music had died as well.

But before she passed away, she convinced him to accept a commission from Washington's National Cathedral.

The piece he composed is called "Evensong: Of Love and Angels." The music is a memorial to their love, and Carolyn's love of Angels.

VocalEssence performs Evensong at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis this Friday.

The concert is at 8 p.m., and I will be joined by Dominick and Vern Sutton for a pre-concert conversation beginning at 7 p.m.