Music

Riddles 2

Voice and instrumental ensemble

5 songs for voice and piano

Text by Bill Manhire

The first performance of Riddles 2 was given by Jane Manning (soprano) and Margaret Nielsen (piano) on 31 March 1978 at Victoria University of Wellington.

About the work

The New Zealand poet, Bill Manhire, wrote a series of poems based on the Anglo-Saxon riddle form, specifically for setting to music, and I’ve used 5 of these in this cycle. Although there are suggested answers to the riddles, the poet prefers that the answers come from the imagination of the listener.

Score and recording

A score, donated by Price Milburn Music, is in the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Riddles 2 — ATL

RNZ Concert recorded the premiere performance.

Riddles 2 — audio