Stephanie Pan

Two Poems by

E. E. Cummings (2006)

Computer Aided Breathing

 

This piece is a setting of two poems by Edward Estlin Cummings (1894-1962), an American poet, painter, essayist and playwright, best known for his poems and their unconventional use of language and writing.  The two poems are characteristic of Cummings' poetry, expressing clusters of meanings delivered through different linguistic channels simultaneously: semantic, syntactic, phonemic/sonic and the visual layout. The settings use extended vocal techniques, live electronics and lighting to expand the poetic language by enhancing the discourse between the different aspects of each poem, focusing on phonemes, words, phrases, images, and the overall ambiance of each section.  This piece was written for Stephanie Pan.

by Stelios Manousakis