GEOFFREY POOLE (b. 1949)Heynonnynonny Smallprint (2008)

This chapter describes Geoffrey Poole’s Heynonnynonny Smallprint (2008). This witty, inventive showpiece gives the impression of being written in a spontaneous surge of energy. Poole has tapped a rich vein of wickedly accurate parody and sly humour in both his text and music. The piece certainly requires a special kind of singer, with a ripely uninhibited performing manner, vocal versatility, and considerable acting flair. A baritone is perhaps the ideal choice, but there is no reason why other voices should not make a success of it. The composer is sympathetic to the idea of transposition, but a strong low register will definitely be an advantage. Unaccompanied works always enliven the concert experience, and can be slotted easily into almost any recital programme. This one would also make a winning encore.