In 1997 keyboardist Michael Hoppe released The Poet: Romances for Cello, a music-meets-poetry collection that included a Carl Sandburg poem ("The Great Hunt"), accompanied by a 1926 photograph of Sandburg shot by Hoppe's g... more »randfather, E.O. Hoppe. Descendants of the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner had not known of the photo's existence, leading the family and Hoppe to become acquainted and, ultimately, collaborators on this mostly spoken-word project. The Lover features 18 Sandburg poems, softly and thoughtfully read by flautist Tim Wheater (a longtime Hoppe colleague) in his handsome English baritone, and underscored with subdued (faint, even) audio backdrops shaped by Hoppe. Hoppe also drops in six gentle, chamberlike interludes, two of which feature longing, almost reverential soprano voicings. Thus the disc projects a hushed atmosphere and an earnest, intimate tone, though it is less about music and more about the poetry. A few of the selections, such as the lamenting "Mag," are unusual inclusions, yet the disc's overall impact is touching and, at times, memorable. The packaging, enhanced by a nice slipcase and a 28-page CD booklet (which includes the full text of all poems, plus notes from Sandburg biographer Penelope Niven), is first-rate, framing the moods and complexities of Sandburg's verse: "Love, with little hands / Comes and touches you / With a thousand memories, / And asks you / Beautiful, unanswerable questions." --Terry Wood« less
In 1997 keyboardist Michael Hoppe released The Poet: Romances for Cello, a music-meets-poetry collection that included a Carl Sandburg poem ("The Great Hunt"), accompanied by a 1926 photograph of Sandburg shot by Hoppe's grandfather, E.O. Hoppe. Descendants of the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner had not known of the photo's existence, leading the family and Hoppe to become acquainted and, ultimately, collaborators on this mostly spoken-word project. The Lover features 18 Sandburg poems, softly and thoughtfully read by flautist Tim Wheater (a longtime Hoppe colleague) in his handsome English baritone, and underscored with subdued (faint, even) audio backdrops shaped by Hoppe. Hoppe also drops in six gentle, chamberlike interludes, two of which feature longing, almost reverential soprano voicings. Thus the disc projects a hushed atmosphere and an earnest, intimate tone, though it is less about music and more about the poetry. A few of the selections, such as the lamenting "Mag," are unusual inclusions, yet the disc's overall impact is touching and, at times, memorable. The packaging, enhanced by a nice slipcase and a 28-page CD booklet (which includes the full text of all poems, plus notes from Sandburg biographer Penelope Niven), is first-rate, framing the moods and complexities of Sandburg's verse: "Love, with little hands / Comes and touches you / With a thousand memories, / And asks you / Beautiful, unanswerable questions." --Terry Wood
CD Reviews
The Lover
Hoppe Fan | Studio City, CA USA | 01/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having never purchased a spoken word CD before, I was eager to hear what Michael Hoppe had up his sleeve this time! Listening to THE LOVER was like finding a hidden treasure. Tim Wheater's tender reading of Carl Sandburg's poetry is like poetry itself. Each verse takes the listener somewhere, some place in time and by the end, one can't help but smile. The romantic blend of poetry and music is subtle, soothing and engaging. The haunting and sorrowful "Mag" has stayed with me since the first listen. The interludes, composed by Hoppe, are a special treat as well. In particular, "Jude's Theme" is a luscious, heartwarming close to yet another exceptional work by Hoppe. In addition, the packaging is lovely and the inclusion of each poem made the experience all the more satisfying."
The Lover
elizabeth robison | Tucson, AZ United States | 06/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have long been a fan of Michael Hoppe and just discovered this excellent album. Michael has gone beyond his great talents in this album. His arrangements,combined with Tim Wheater's reading of Carl Sandburg ,are moving beyond belief. Although I've only known Tim Wheater as a flautist, I was completely stunned by his mellifluous voice reading these poems. It was soul-stirring to hear his words against the backdrop of Michael Hoppe's tender arrangements. After each 3 poetic tracks there is a haunting solo interlude of Hoppe's music, which is totally poignant and heart-moving!.This album can send you to undreamed of heights.. I think this is one of his finest albums. If you don't like the spoken word this album is not for you, but you just might be pleasantly surprised if you dare take a chance."
The Lover: The Love Poetry Of Carl Sandburg
elizabeth robison | 01/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Combining music and read poetry, The Lover stands out at one of the most romantic albums of the year. Just in time for Valentine's Day, this heartfelt, evocative, melancholy, and haunting album stirs the emotions. A particular mood is conveyed with each piece, and the spoken poetry adds the dimension of your imagination to the piece. I could picture in my mind's eye, the scene the poet was invoking. The lovely and yearning music only heightens and completes the experience. All of Michael Hoppe's other music affects one the same way, but this is truly a unique offering from the heart and soul of an important composer."
The Lover
J. V. Rovee | Cambridge, MA | 01/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"January 24, 2001The LoverDelicate beauty of a perfect diamond. Both the scent and appreciation of a tiny English garden at daybreak. Simplicity of light and sound as one, creating that sunset above the ocean's calm.Every nuance, pause, syllable and note emanating from "The Lover" is a symbiosis of shouts and whispers to create tranquility, ecstasy and passion. Michael Hoppe's quietly enchanting compositions are at one, perfectly with Tim Wheater's depth of voice and breadth of expression. Each has truly enhanced the exquisite, yet simplistic brilliance of Carl Sandburg's words."The Lover" is indeed a gift to be listened to, pondered over, and shared. May it become a contemporary success with its poetic message, eloquent voice, and masterful musical composition."
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1