6pence for Mixed Chorus

The English rhyme, Sing a Song of Six Pence is the basis for 6Pence. The original choral work bears the dedication: ‘For my mother, Josephine, in celebration of her ever-present, always irreverent sense of humor!’ Following an opening statement of the familiar verse using Schoenberg’s sprechstimme, the pianists begin a romping, crazy version of the familiar nursery rhyme tune which includes excerpts from Mozart’s ‘Marriage of Figaro’ and a Berkey ‘frenzy’ on the piano. Ballet dancers may be added to increase the fun and merriment!