- Songs of the Trobairitz (1988, 2006) soprano, English horn, violin 12'
- Text: 12th c. women troubadours in English translation by Meg Bogin, from The Women Troubadours, Norton & Norton, 1980.
- Premiere—1990, by Janet Walker, Jane Berger and Gerhard Veith, Augsburg, Germany.
- Voice range:
- I thrive on youth and joy—Countess of Dia (b. 1140)
- Of things I'd rather keep in silence I must sing—Countess of Dia
- God knows I should have had my fill of song—Castelloza (b. c. 1200)
- Now we are come to the cold time—Azelais de Porcairages (b. c. 1140)
- If you knew my mind, sweet handsome friend—Anonymous
Program note
Written as a wedding present for a violinist/oboist pair, these texts by the Trobairitz—women troubadours of medieval Provence—provide a candid view of joyous, bitter, gentle courtly love, Told in terms not unlike our own day, the more reflective, even-numbered songs have a particularly familiar ring.