Angels Singing Out of Tune
"Joan Szymko's setting turns the sense of Byron's poem on its head. She imagines a heaven where frazzled angels never rest: the lurching rhythms and goofy chromatics of the heavenly choir showcase a soprano soloist who spins out of control." - Mary Lycan, editor, Treble Clef Press
The Angels were all singing out of tune,
And hoarse with having little else to do,
excepting to wind up the sun and moon
Or curb a runaway young star or two
- excerpt from Canto II of Vision of Judgement
"Joan Szymko's setting turns the sense of Byron's poem on its head. She imagines a heaven where frazzled angels never rest: the lurching rhythms and goofy chromatics of the heavenly choir showcase a soprano soloist who spins out of control." - Mary Lycan, editor, Treble Clef Press