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Love Scene from Romeo and Juliet
for soprano, baritone, flute, violin, cello and piano (1996)
Premiere
14 April 1996
Weill Recital Hall, New York City
Tobe Malawista, soprano / Scott Murphree, baritone / Richard Lalli, piano
Instrumentation
S,Bar,fl.vln.vlc.pft
Duration
10'
Texts
William Shakespeare, adapted by the composer from the Balcony Scene (III:v) of Romeo and Juliet (E)

Program Note
Commissioned by and premiered by soprano Tobe Malawista, with baritone Scott Murphree and pianist Richard Lalli, on a 'Mirror Visions' concert at Weill Recital Hall on 14 April 1996, this congenial musicalization of the beloved 'balcony scene' of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet creates a delightful, pastoral context for the parting of the two lovers.
--- Bill Rhoads, 2003
Reviews
Hagen confirms his status as one of the better composers setting English texts to music. For those new to the composer's work, his music is firmly tonal and often quite lovely. His text setting shows a sensitive ear, and he is often an inspired melodist. Any of this music would be welcomed on a vocal recital, and I would encourage singers in search of new repertoire to investigate his work closely.
--- John Story, Fanfare Magazine, July / August 2000