Mrs. Bixby's Sons

for baritone and piano
© David Gompper
Program Notes
Despite the fact that Mrs. Bixby, a Southern sympathizer, destroyed the letter, that she lost not five but two sons in the Civil War (the War Department misspoke), or that many believe John Hay, one of Lincoln's private secretaries, is the author of the letter, this message of condolence is generally considered unsurpassed. The number five is pervasive in this musical setting, used metrically, rhythmically and intervallically. The song was written for and is decidated to Stephen Swanson, who premiered it 24 October 2004 at the University of Iowa.

Performances
-University of Iowa Old Capitol, Nov. 13, 2009 (Swanson)
-Minnesota Fringe Festival, Playwright's Center, Minneapolis, Aug 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 2009
-St. John's Bowdoin St., Boston, February 25, 2009
-Linden Place, Bristol, RI, February 22, 2009 (Swanson)
-Schenectady County Community College, February 18, 2009
-University of Iowa, February 4, 2009 (Swanson)
-Drake University, January 28, 2009
-Occidental College, Los Angeles, October 17, 2008
-Northwestern College, IA, October 9, 2008
-Luther College, October 28, 2007
-North Park University, Chicago, IL, February 20, 2007
-New Brighton MN, July 2, 2006
-University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, March 14, 2006
-Iowa Wesleyan College, September 30, 2005 (Swanson)
-University of Iowa, October 24, 2004