For Hugues Cuenod--in his 100th year.(New poems)

 
For Hugues Cuenod 
--in his 100th year. 
 
   Midway along our road sometimes a voice 
   Sounds, prohibiting all heldenblustering choices 
   Of timbre, overtones or fashions; 
   Fifty years back, when I first heard you sing 
   I thought: "The poems I've written lack for nothing 
   But such clarity, such passion." 
 
   With Nadia Boulanger when young, you went 
   Touring through languages and continents, 
   Collegia, festivals and venues; 
   To countertenor from youth's baritone, 
   You made each form, period and style your own, 
   Tasting your way down this art's menu. 
 
   From Frescobaldi, Couperin, Monteverdi, 
   To Neidhardt, Bach, Schutz' Sacred Concerti 
   Then Faure, Debussy, Auric; ...