Reflections on Espionage (with string quartet)

This song cycle sets excerpts from John Hollander’s intriguing novel-in-verse Reflections on Espionage.  Each song is from the perspective of a different character, known by a codename.  Felucca is torn between loyalty to her lover and to her work, and resigned to the sacrifices that her work entails; Cupcake ponders his sentimentality for the little things; and then there’s Velvet, who attempts to question his own use of violence in the name of a higher purpose.  Reflections on Espionage was originally composed in 2005 for soprano and piano.  This version for voice and String Quartet was created for and premiered by Karen Siegel and the Pur ti Miro Quartet in 2013.