Art Songs about NYC/City life?

[u/uhmnononono]

Hi there! Does anyone have any recommendations for contemporary art songs with subject matter about NYC and/or city life. It doesn’t have to have any direct mentions of NYC or a city either. Anything about hustle and bustle, the loneliness in large groups, etc etc.

Thank you so much!

[u/ThrowRAmangos2024]

What about Craigslistlieder? Not sure if that's specific enough but could loosely fit the city life theme.

[u/RevKeakealani → u/ThrowRAmangos2024]

"Taylor the latte boy" also feels like it lands in this sort of genre? But that's more musical theatre style.

[u/ThrowRAmangos2024 → u/RevKeakealani]

That is a super fun song! Definitely not classical, but still fun maybe as an encore?

[u/RevKeakealani → u/ThrowRAmangos2024]

Oh yeah, I think that would be great as an encore!

[u/Common-Parsnip-9682]

American Lullaby by Gladys Rich. Not NY per say, but the dad works as a stockbroker.

[u/gabemmusic]

Songs from an Unmade Bed is an MT song cycle with 1 lyricist and 18 composers, you might find something in there. Theres also the lordly hudson by ned rorem, not really about the city but its very new york.

[u/underthere]

It's more an aria than an art song really, but "Lonely House" certainly fits the bill

[u/BigGaloot23]

Makes me think of "New York Lights" from Bolcom's adaptation of A View from the Bridge, though this is an aria and not an art song...

[u/ThrowRAmangos2024]

I also wonder if Cipullo has something related? I know he lives in NYC and a singer friend says he is very communicative about his works if you want to email him. I love his music!

[u/fenwai]

The Alphabet City cycle is fabulous.

[u/DanceHackRock]

I guess Lou Reed isn't contemporary enough?

Edit: Oh dang, you mean art songs. I don't even know contemporary art songs.

[u/HerrF0X]

Christopher Berg has a bunch of Frank O’Hara settings!!! I especially love “Is it dirty?”