The Lover: The Love Poetry of Carl Sandburg

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
In 1997 keyboardist Michael Hoppe released The Poet: Romances for Cello, a music-meets-poetry collection that included a Carl Sandburg poem ("The Great Hunt"), accompanied by a 1926 photograph of Sandburg shot by Hoppe's grandfather, E.O. Hoppe. Descendants of the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner had not known of the photo's existence, leading the family and Hoppe to become acquainted and, ultimately, collaborators on this mostly spoken-word project. The Lover features 18 Sandburg poems, softly and thoughtfully read by flautist Tim Wheater (a longtime Hoppe colleague) in his handsome English baritone, and underscored with subdued (faint, even) audio backdrops shaped by Hoppe. Hoppe also drops in six gentle, chamberlike interludes, two of which feature longing, almost reverential soprano voicings. Thus the disc projects a hushed atmosphere and an earnest, intimate tone, though it is less about music and more about the poetry. A few of the selections, such as the lamenting "Mag," are unusual inclusions, yet the disc's overall impact is touching and, at times, memorable. The packaging, enhanced by a nice slipcase and a 28-page CD booklet (which includes the full text of all poems, plus notes from Sandburg biographer Penelope Niven), is first-rate, framing the moods and complexities of Sandburg's verse: "Love, with little hands / Comes and touches you / With a thousand memories, / And asks you / Beautiful, unanswerable questions." --Terry Wood

The Lover: The Love Poetry of Carl Sandburg,Michael Hoppé,Spring Hill,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Poetry,Pop

Tracks:

Introduction To Whatever Gardens
The Great Hunt
Mag
Interlude: Lover's Lament
Monotone
Joy
Dreams In The Dusk
Interlude: Beloved
Under The Harvest Moon
Home Thoughts
Dream Girl
Interlude: Lachrymesa
The Wind Sings Welcome In Early Spring
Tawny
The First Kiss Came With Flame
Interlude: The Unforgiving Heart
She Held Herself A Deep Pool For Him
Careless Hearts
Valley Song
Interlude Grace
Offering And Rebuff
An Old Woman
Explanation Of Love
Interlude: Jude's Theme

Amazon.com

In 1997 keyboardist Michael Hoppe released The Poet: Romances for Cello, a music-meets-poetry collection that included a Carl Sandburg poem ("The Great Hunt"), accompanied by a 1926 photograph of Sandburg shot by Hoppe's grandfather, E.O. Hoppe. Descendants of the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner had not known of the photo's existence, leading the family and Hoppe to become acquainted and, ultimately, collaborators on this mostly spoken-word project. The Lover features 18 Sandburg poems, softly and thoughtfully read by flautist Tim Wheater (a longtime Hoppe colleague) in his handsome English baritone, and underscored with subdued (faint, even) audio backdrops shaped by Hoppe. Hoppe also drops in six gentle, chamberlike interludes, two of which feature longing, almost reverential soprano voicings. Thus the disc projects a hushed atmosphere and an earnest, intimate tone, though it is less about music and more about the poetry. A few of the selections, such as the lamenting "Mag," are unusual inclusions, yet the disc's overall impact is touching and, at times, memorable. The packaging, enhanced by a nice slipcase and a 28-page CD booklet (which includes the full text of all poems, plus notes from Sandburg biographer Penelope Niven), is first-rate, framing the moods and complexities of Sandburg's verse: "Love, with little hands / Comes and touches you / With a thousand memories, / And asks you / Beautiful, unanswerable questions." --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

The Lover.......2001-06-26

I have long been a fan of Michael Hoppe and just discovered this excellent album. Michael has gone beyond his great talents in this album. His arrangements,combined with Tim Wheater's reading of Carl Sandburg ,are moving beyond belief. Although I've only known Tim Wheater as a flautist, I was completely stunned by his mellifluous voice reading these poems. It was soul-stirring to hear his words against the backdrop of Michael Hoppe's tender arrangements. After each 3 poetic tracks there is a haunting solo interlude of Hoppe's music, which is totally poignant and heart-moving!.This album can send you to undreamed of heights.. I think this is one of his finest albums. If you don't like the spoken word this album is not for you, but you just might be pleasantly surprised if you dare take a chance.

The Lover.......2001-05-27

Tim Wheater and Michael Hoppe have done it again....beauty...I give this cd to friends, and especially friends that are undergoing cancer treatment because it is so wonderful. Their music takes you somewhere else and I love it. I'm also not a fan of the violin but #4 with Lily Haydn's playing is beautiful.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2001-02-20

I must warn you that "The Lover" is so utterly classy that you will feel you should dress up to listen to it! Originally released in time for Valentine's Day shopping, this mostly spoken-word CD is wonderful at any time of the year. Michael Hoppe has created loving backdrops of washes of music to enhance Tim Wheater's reading of the love poems of Carl Sandburg. I have been a longtime fan of Wheater's flute playing, but had no idea he has such an incredible voice - a rich, deep baritone full of strength and tenderness. This CD came into being because of Hoppe's earlier collaboration with cellist Martin Tillman, "The Poet". That album was Hoppe's music composed to go with photographic portraits his grandfather, E.O.Hoppe, had taken of various poets, including Carl Sandburg. Sandburg's granddaughter, Helga, discovered the album and shared it with Sandburg's biographer, Penelope Niven. None of the Sandburgs or the biographer had ever seen E.O. Hoppe's portrait, and Niven was compelled to learn more about the photographer. This quest brought the biographer and Michael Hoppe together to discuss the fusion of poetry and music. Hoppe then asked Wheater to read some of Sandburg's poems aloud so he could listen and begin to compose. The result is an incredibly beautiful package that includes a booklet with the poems written out. The poems themselves are short, and range from the love of an elderly mother for her son to a husband wishing he had never met his wife. The emotional span is wide but never melodramatic, and the background music is very quiet and unobtrusive. Hoppe also includes six "interludes" which are musical pieces without any words over them. Three of these pieces are from other Hoppe albums or compilations, and complement the poems beautifully. They also refresh the ear before going on to more spoken voice. Michael Hoppe is one of my favorite artists, and this album is one more reason why. The collaboration of three artists of such a high caliber is always breathtaking, and this is no exception! Highly recommended.

The Lover.......2001-01-31

Having never purchased a spoken word CD before, I was eager to hear what Michael Hoppe had up his sleeve this time! Listening to THE LOVER was like finding a hidden treasure. Tim Wheater's tender reading of Carl Sandburg's poetry is like poetry itself. Each verse takes the listener somewhere, some place in time and by the end, one can't help but smile. The romantic blend of poetry and music is subtle, soothing and engaging.

The haunting and sorrowful "Mag" has stayed with me since the first listen. The interludes, composed by Hoppe, are a special treat as well. In particular, "Jude's Theme" is a luscious, heartwarming close to yet another exceptional work by Hoppe. In addition, the packaging is lovely and the inclusion of each poem made the experience all the more satisfying.

The Lover.......2001-01-24

January 24, 2001

The Lover

Delicate beauty of a perfect diamond. Both the scent and appreciation of a tiny English garden at daybreak. Simplicity of light and sound as one, creating that sunset above the ocean's calm.

Every nuance, pause, syllable and note emanating from "The Lover" is a symbiosis of shouts and whispers to create tranquility, ecstasy and passion.

Michael Hoppe's quietly enchanting compositions are at one, perfectly with Tim Wheater's depth of voice and breadth of expression. Each has truly enhanced the exquisite, yet simplistic brilliance of Carl Sandburg's words.

"The Lover" is indeed a gift to be listened to, pondered over, and shared. May it become a contemporary success with its poetic message, eloquent voice, and masterful musical composition.

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