Category: Vocal Music / Art Song
Instrumentation: voice, piano
Text / Source: Lyrics by Nuala O'Connor

Insomnia is a humorous song for voice and piano with lyrics by Nuala O'Connor. The song offers a light and relatable look at the mental tricks and rituals people use while trying to fall asleep.

Baxter’s setting gives the text a lively dramatic character, using rhythm, pacing, and vocal inflection to support its comic edge. The result is a concise character piece that contrasts effectively with the more reflective or lyrical songs in the cycle.

Insomnia is well suited for recital programs that benefit from wit, theatrical timing, and sharply characterized text delivery. It is particularly useful for singers who enjoy narrative clarity, personality, and humor within contemporary art song.