Instrumentation

• Solo Baritone
• Violin 1
• Violin 2
• Viola
• Violoncello
• Piano

The critically acclaimed Ricky Ian Gordon gives us a work for solo baritone voice with string quartet: Green Sneakers. Grown from a cycle of poems dedicated to the composer’s departed love, Green Sneakers is a raw and touching ode to the life he shared and the process of grief. The string quartet narrates the story as much as the baritone voice, creating a mini-opera, complete with an empty chair, employed as a prop, and a piano played by the singer at the conclusion. According to Gordon, “I suppose I wanted to end the piece with not only a lullaby, but a celebration of what we had together.” String quartet parts are available on rental. Piano-vocal score available separately (411-41120). Dur: 1 hour