Work

Programme Note

James K. Baxter is New Zealand’s most well-known poet. He wrote in a wide variety of styles and genres, including the traditional ballad form, of which Lament for Barney Flanagan is a prime example. It contains a classic Baxter mix of humour and pathos, lively in spirit but focussed on the subject of death, in this case the heart-attack of an overweight publican. The music is simple and strong, allowing the witty lyrics to speak for themselves, but also adding occasional wry touches of word-painting.

Text Note:

Poem by James K. Baxter

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Influences:

• Death