Lee Ann Brown sang at a recent poetry reading on campus. Some of her poems are ballads, which lend themselves to singing rather than reading. She opened and closed her reading with her vocal interpretation of some of her poems, with one song during as well. After reflecting on the reading some time later, I found that I did not enjoy the poet's interpretation of the ballads as song, as much as I did the reading. I respect and admire Brown and am inspired by her work, but given the choice, I realize that I tend to enjoy readings more when the poet is reading. This is not a critique of her singing, yet the emotion I initially felt from reading her poetry was lost with the audio presentation.
Those people that know me well know that I love all types of music. I find that value may be found within all forms of musical expression. In much of the music I enjoy, I hear poetry. I find the lyrics of Jim Morrison, Justin Furstenfeld, Roger Waters, and Bruce Springsteen to be very poetic. Their words influence me as much as the poetry of Alice Notley, Samuel Beckett, or Walt Whitman.
When I hear the songs of the musicians I have mentioned, I hear poetry. When I heard the songs of Lee Ann Brown, the poetry was lost. I honestly wonder why. Why is it easier for me to find poetry in song than song in poetry? Was emotion lost from the poetry of Brown when she sang it? Is the poetry of Morrison or Waters void of emotion until they sing it?
I truly believe that poetry and music are closely related, but I cannot provide an answer as to how or why they are so. After Brown's recent reading, I am motivated to prompt other's for their opinion, as I find this worthy of ongoing reflection and discussion.
Thoughts?
-Dave
