Category: Vocal Music / Art Song
Instrumentation: soprano, piano
Duration: 2 minutes
Text / Source: Words by Nuala O’Connor
Publisher: North Star Music
Publication: Modern Music for New Singers: 21st Century American Art Songs, Soprano, Volume 1
Recordings: Ask of Me What the Birds Sang

Flirt is a humorous art song for soprano and piano, written for Katie Procell. With words by Nuala O’Connor, the song tells of a woman shopping who encounters a flirtatious butcher, offering a light theatrical scene full of charm, wit, and playful character.

Baxter’s setting gives the soprano an opportunity for clear storytelling and comic timing, while the piano supports the song’s lively conversational spirit. Compact and engaging, Flirt brings a touch of humor to Baxter’s vocal catalog and is especially well suited for performers looking for contemporary art song with personality and stage presence.

At two minutes, Flirt works well as a lighter recital piece, an encore, or part of a contemporary American art song set. The song calls for crisp diction, expressive characterization, and a playful sense of timing.