Official site of composer Andrea Clearfield. Biography, list of works with audio, score samples, reviews and program notes, photographs, upcoming performances.
Les Fenêtres (SATB, soprano and mezzo soprano soloists with chamber orchestra; 2011), 15 min.
Commissioned by Singing City
The Rim of Love (sop. solo, 2 percussion, harp, string orchestra – 2005), 20 min.
Commissioned by Astral
Women of Valor (sop. and one or two mezzo solos, narrator, symphony orchestra – 2000), 65 min.
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
“One of the highlights of my career as a conductor was to present the premiere of Andrea Clearfield’s oratorio, Women of Valor. The expansive work is accessible to all, incredibly well crafted both in its musical form and the arch of its emotional impact on an audience. From the moment the work begins you are catapulted to a different world filled with beautiful poetry and music. Each word is musically enriched as the piece brilliantly weaves the unique perspectives of the stories of 10 biblical women. Both the orchestral and vocal writing are of the highest caliber. It is a work that deserves many performances.”
–Dr. Noreen Green, The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, artistic director
Leah’s Aria (from Women of Valor (mz. solo, harp, piano, strings, narrator – 2000), 6 min.
Rachel’s Aria (from Women of Valor (sop. solo, harp, piano, strings, – 2000), 5 min.
Miriam’s Dance (from Women of Valor (sop. and mz. solos, harp, piano, strings, narrator – 2000), 5:30 min.
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
Hannah’s Prayer (from Women of Valor (sop. solo, harp, strings, narrator – 2000), 7 min.
“Canyon” from The Rim of Love (for sop., flute, strings, piano, guitar, percussion- 2005/arr. 2011), 5 min.
Commissioned by The Philadelphia School
Fire and Ice (sop. and bar. solos, SATB, orchestra – 2007), 46 min.
Commissioned by the Handel Society of Dartmouth College
“Fire and Ice was commissioned by the Handel Society in celebration of their bicentennial anniversary. This moving cantata is the first major setting of poetry by Robert Frost since the 1955 setting of Frostiana by Randall Thompson. Andrea’s writing is sensitive, intuitive, and deeply personal. Her commitment to the poet’s intent and colorful, intriguing orchestrations combined with the meticulous care she took when writing for the human voice allowed for Fire and Ice to become a significantly rewarding experience for both the performers and audience alike.”
–Robert Duff, Conductor, Handel Society of Dartmouth College
The Golem Psalms (bar. solo, SATB, orchestra – 2006), 30 min.
Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club
“Among the many large, choral/orchestra works commissioned by Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia in the past 20 years, Andrea Clearfield’s THE GOLEM PSALMS is one of the most compelling. Beautifully written for both choral and orchestral forces, it has a direct and powerful impact and it remains a favorite of our performers and our audience. The solo role of the baritone, as the Golem, is brilliant. This is a perfectly balanced piece. Working with Andrea is a conductor’s dream!”
–Alan Harler, Music Director, The Mendelssohn Club
The Long Bright (sop. solo, SSAA women’s or children’s chorus, also suitable for intergenerational treble chorus, orchestra – 2004), 60 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
“An hour-long cantata on a husband’s poetic response to the death of his wife from breast cancer might have been maudlin and depressing. Instead, this is a terrific piece, uplifting, optimistic, hopeful, featuring a wonderful part for children’s chorus, and a virtuosic role for solo soprano, sung beautifully at the work’s premiere with Orchestra 2001 – surely one of our most successful premieres ever – by the extraordinary Hila Plitmann.”
–James Freeman, Artistic Director, Orchestra 2001
Voice & Chamber Ensemble
A reminiscence sing (sop., tenor or baritone, oboe, string quintet – 2009, also for sop. tenor or baritone, clarinet and piano), 8 min.
For James Freeman
“Cleanly constructed, the music flows and sways, the soprano line taking on a glow from the ensemble.”
–Daniel Webster, The Phildelphia Inquirer, Tuesday, December 15, 2009
L is for Laughter (sop., flute, cello and piano – 2005), 5 min.
Commissioned by Jane Foster
The Rim of Love (arr. for sop., harp, 2 percussion, string quintet- 2005), 20 min., 4 arias, may be performed separately
Commissioned by Astral Artists
“Canyon” from The Rim of Love (for sop., flute, strings, piano, guitar, percussion- 2005/arr. 2011), 5 min.
Commissioned by The Philadelphia School
Women of Valor Suite (arr. for sop. and one or two mezzo solos, narrator, violin, percussion, piano – 2000), 65 min. Selected arias also arranged for sop., mezzo. viola, percussion and piano)
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
“Hagar” from the Women of Valor Suite (for sop. and one or two mezzo solos, narrator, violin, percussion, piano – in progress), 5-7 min.
Commissioned by The Women’s Sacred Music Project
The Rim of Love (arr. for sop. and piano – 2005), 20 min.
Commissioned by Astral
“Edge” from The Rim of Love (arr. for sop. and piano – 2005), 5 min.
Commissioned by Astral
“Cliff” from The Rim of Love (arr. for sop. and piano – 2005), 4 min.
Commissioned by Astral
“Canyon” from The Rim of Love (arr. for sop. and piano – 2005), 5 min.
Commissioned by Astral
“The Bridge” from The Long Bright (sop. and piano – 2004), 6 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
“The Bridge from The Long Bright is a masterfully calculated emotional arc from terror to acceptance.”
–David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 11, 2005
“Melisma” from The Long Bright (sop. and piano – 2004), 5 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
“Fragmentary Blue” from Fire and Ice (arr. for sop. and piano – 2007), 4 min.
“The Song of Ruth” from Women of Valor (sop. and piano – 2000), 5 min.
“The highlight of the concert was “Ruth’s Aria” from Andrea Clearfield’s Women of Valor. Based on poems by Marge Piercy, Ruth’s longing echoes through the ages in text and notes…”
–Deborah Kravetz, Penn Sounds, Spring, 2000
“Leah, Rachel and Ruth” from Women of Valor (sop. and piano – 2000), 15 min.
“Leah” from Women of Valor (mz. and piano – 2000), 5 min.
“Jocheved” from Women of Valor (sop. and mezzo duet, piano – 2000), 5 min.
Women of Valor (arr. for sop. and 1 or 2 mezzo-sop., piano – 2000), 65 min., each of the 10 arias/duets, may be performed separately
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
“One of the highlights of my career as a conductor was to present the premiere of Andrea Clearfield’s oratorio, Women of Valor. The expansive work is accessible to all, incredibly well crafted both in its musical form and the arch of its emotional impact on an audience. From the moment the work begins you are catapulted to a different world filled with beautiful poetry and music. Each word is musically enriched as the piece brilliantly weaves the unique perspectives of the stories of 10 biblical women. Both the orchestral and vocal writing are of the highest caliber. It is a work that deserves many performances.”
–Dr. Noreen Green, The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, artistic director
L is for Laughter (sop. and piano – 2005), 5 min.
Commissioned by Jane Foster
Vocal Works
To order music, contact Andrea Clearfield unless otherwise indicated:
Click on individual piece names for detailed information including audio files, program notes and score excerpts
©Mark Stehle Photography
Voice & Orchestra/Large Ensemble
Les Fenêtres (SATB, soprano and mezzo soprano soloists with chamber orchestra; 2011), 15 min.
Commissioned by Singing City
The Rim of Love
(sop. solo, 2 percussion, harp, string orchestra – 2005), 20 min.
Commissioned by Astral
Women of Valor (sop. and one or two mezzo solos, narrator, symphony orchestra – 2000), 65 min.
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
“One of the highlights of my career as a conductor was to present the premiere of Andrea Clearfield’s oratorio, Women of Valor. The expansive work is accessible to all, incredibly well crafted both in its musical form and the arch of its emotional impact on an audience. From the moment the work begins you are catapulted to a different world filled with beautiful poetry and music. Each word is musically enriched as the piece brilliantly weaves the unique perspectives of the stories of 10 biblical women. Both the orchestral and vocal writing are of the highest caliber. It is a work that deserves many performances.”
–Dr. Noreen Green, The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, artistic director
Leah’s Aria (from Women of Valor (mz. solo, harp, piano, strings, narrator – 2000), 6 min.
Rachel’s Aria (from Women of Valor (sop. solo, harp, piano, strings, – 2000), 5 min.
Miriam’s Dance (from Women of Valor (sop. and mz. solos, harp, piano, strings, narrator – 2000), 5:30 min.
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
Hannah’s Prayer (from Women of Valor (sop. solo, harp, strings, narrator – 2000), 7 min.
“Canyon” from The Rim of Love (for sop., flute, strings, piano, guitar, percussion- 2005/arr. 2011), 5 min.
Commissioned by The Philadelphia School
Fire and Ice (sop. and bar. solos, SATB, orchestra – 2007), 46 min.
Commissioned by the Handel Society of Dartmouth College
“Fire and Ice was commissioned by the Handel Society in celebration of their bicentennial anniversary. This moving cantata is the first major setting of poetry by Robert Frost since the 1955 setting of Frostiana by Randall Thompson. Andrea’s writing is sensitive, intuitive, and deeply personal. Her commitment to the poet’s intent and colorful, intriguing orchestrations combined with the meticulous care she took when writing for the human voice allowed for Fire and Ice to become a significantly rewarding experience for both the performers and audience alike.”
–Robert Duff, Conductor, Handel Society of Dartmouth College
The Golem Psalms (bar. solo, SATB, orchestra – 2006), 30 min.
Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club
“Among the many large, choral/orchestra works commissioned by Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia in the past 20 years, Andrea Clearfield’s THE GOLEM PSALMS is one of the most compelling. Beautifully written for both choral and orchestral forces, it has a direct and powerful impact and it remains a favorite of our performers and our audience. The solo role of the baritone, as the Golem, is brilliant. This is a perfectly balanced piece. Working with Andrea is a conductor’s dream!”
–Alan Harler, Music Director, The Mendelssohn Club
The Long Bright (sop. solo, SSAA women’s or children’s chorus, also suitable for intergenerational treble chorus, orchestra – 2004), 60 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
“An hour-long cantata on a husband’s poetic response to the death of his wife from breast cancer might have been maudlin and depressing. Instead, this is a terrific piece, uplifting, optimistic, hopeful, featuring a wonderful part for children’s chorus, and a virtuosic role for solo soprano, sung beautifully at the work’s premiere with Orchestra 2001 – surely one of our most successful premieres ever – by the extraordinary Hila Plitmann.”
–James Freeman, Artistic Director, Orchestra 2001
Voice & Chamber Ensemble
A reminiscence sing (sop., tenor or baritone, oboe, string quintet – 2009, also for sop. tenor or baritone, clarinet and piano), 8 min.
For James Freeman
“Cleanly constructed, the music flows and sways, the soprano line taking on a glow from the ensemble.”
–Daniel Webster, The Phildelphia Inquirer, Tuesday, December 15, 2009
L is for Laughter (sop., flute, cello and piano – 2005), 5 min.
Commissioned by Jane Foster
The Rim of Love (arr. for sop., harp, 2 percussion, string quintet- 2005), 20 min., 4 arias, may be performed separately
Commissioned by Astral Artists
“Canyon” from The Rim of Love (for sop., flute, strings, piano, guitar, percussion- 2005/arr. 2011), 5 min.
Commissioned by The Philadelphia School
Women of Valor Suite (arr. for sop. and one or two mezzo solos, narrator, violin, percussion, piano – 2000), 65 min. Selected arias also arranged for sop., mezzo. viola, percussion and piano)
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
“Hagar” from the Women of Valor Suite (for sop. and one or two mezzo solos, narrator, violin, percussion, piano – in progress), 5-7 min.
Commissioned by The Women’s Sacred Music Project
always (light)/fragments (love) (sop., flute, cello, piano – 2000), 10 min.
Commissioned by Network for New Music
Gaia (sop., oboe or flute, piano – 1993), 10 min.
Love Song (sop., oboe or flute, piano – 1995), 4:40 min.
"…wonderfully witty and dramatic…”
–A.J. Wester, International Alliance for Women in Music Journal, Fall, 1997
Timecycle (sop., clarinet – 2000), 15 min.
Commissioned by the Pennsylvania and Delaware Music Teachers National Association
Only The Wind (sop., clarinet, piano – 1995, rev. 1998) , 14 min.
Legacy (sop., flute, piano – 1997), 10 min.
Weeping into Green (sop., clarinet, piano – 1995), 6 min.
Red Clay (sop., oboe, piano – 1991), 5.30 min.
Earth Circle (sop., flute, cello, double bass, piano – 1991), 8 min.
Under the Sleeping Tree (sop., oboe, piano – 1990), 5:30 min.
Into the Distance (sop, bar, oboe, cello, piano – 1990), 10 min.
Time and Space (sop., oboe, piano – 1989), 5 min.
In Memoriam (sop., 2 flutes, piano – 1989), 6 min.
Sea Trilogy (sop., 2 flutes, piano – 1988), 8 min.
Voice & Piano
Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano
“The Drift of Things; Winter Songs” (mezzo, baritone and piano – 2012), 9 movements (solos and duets), 45 min.
Commissioned by Lyric Fest
“…She bore deep into the meaning of the text with full-fisted piano writing and vocal lines of considerable literary sensitivity
–David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer, January 29, 2013
“Now Close the Windows” (soprano or mezzo-soprano and piano – 2012), 5 min.
Commissioned by Lyric Fest
Farlorn Alemen Song Cycle (sop. and piano – 2008), 17 min.,
Commissioned by Raya Gonen
“Farlorn Alemen” (sop. and piano – 2008), 6 min.
Commissioned by Raya Gonen
“Melisma” from The Long Bright (sop. and piano – 2003, arr. 2012), 7 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
A reminiscence sing (sop., piano – 2009), 7 min.
For James Freeman
The Rim of Love (arr. for sop. and piano – 2005), 20 min.
Commissioned by Astral
“Edge” from The Rim of Love (arr. for sop. and piano – 2005), 5 min.
Commissioned by Astral
“Cliff” from The Rim of Love (arr. for sop. and piano – 2005), 4 min.
Commissioned by Astral
“Canyon” from The Rim of Love (arr. for sop. and piano – 2005), 5 min.
Commissioned by Astral
“The Bridge” from The Long Bright (sop. and piano – 2004), 6 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
“The Bridge from The Long Bright is a masterfully calculated emotional arc from terror to acceptance.”
–David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 11, 2005
“Melisma” from The Long Bright (sop. and piano – 2004), 5 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
“Fragmentary Blue” from Fire and Ice (arr. for sop. and piano – 2007), 4 min.
“The Song of Ruth” from Women of Valor (sop. and piano – 2000), 5 min.
“The highlight of the concert was “Ruth’s Aria” from Andrea Clearfield’s Women of Valor. Based on poems by Marge Piercy, Ruth’s longing echoes through the ages in text and notes…”
–Deborah Kravetz, Penn Sounds, Spring, 2000
“Leah, Rachel and Ruth” from Women of Valor (sop. and piano – 2000), 15 min.
“Leah” from Women of Valor (mz. and piano – 2000), 5 min.
“Jocheved” from Women of Valor (sop. and mezzo duet, piano – 2000), 5 min.
Women of Valor (arr. for sop. and 1 or 2 mezzo-sop., piano – 2000), 65 min., each of the 10 arias/duets, may be performed separately
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
“One of the highlights of my career as a conductor was to present the premiere of Andrea Clearfield’s oratorio, Women of Valor. The expansive work is accessible to all, incredibly well crafted both in its musical form and the arch of its emotional impact on an audience. From the moment the work begins you are catapulted to a different world filled with beautiful poetry and music. Each word is musically enriched as the piece brilliantly weaves the unique perspectives of the stories of 10 biblical women. Both the orchestral and vocal writing are of the highest caliber. It is a work that deserves many performances.”
–Dr. Noreen Green, The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, artistic director
L is for Laughter (sop. and piano – 2005), 5 min.
Commissioned by Jane Foster
Voice & Piano
Tenor/Baritone
“The Drift of Things; Winter Songs” (mezzo, baritone and piano – 2012), 9 songs (solos and duets), 45 min.
Commissioned by Lyric Fest
“She bore deep into the meaning of the text with full-fisted piano writing and vocal lines of considerable literary sensitivity
–David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer, January 29, 2013
“You Bring Out the Doctor in Me” (tenor and piano – 2013), 7 min.
Commissioned by the AIDS Quilt Songbook
Amok from The Golem Psalms (baritone or tenor and piano – 2006), 4 min.
A reminiscence sing (baritone and piano– 2009), 8 min.
For James Freeman
“The Demiurge’s Laugh” from Fire and Ice (arr. for bar. and piano – 2007), 5 min.
Simply Love Them from Our Better Angels (arr. for ten. and bar. duet, piano – 2009), 5 min,
Commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale