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

Spadalán Frida Kahlo is a song for voice and piano setting a Gaelic poem by Nuala O'Connor. The title’s reference to Frida Kahlo suggests a vivid artistic and emotional frame, placing the song within a world of image, identity, and expressive intensity.

Baxter’s setting brings a lyrical and dramatic sensitivity to the poem, balancing tonal grounding with contemporary harmonic color. The voice carries the poetic line with directness, while the piano provides atmosphere, support, and interpretive depth.

As the closing song of Solas agus scáth, Spadalán Frida Kahlo offers a compelling recital work for performers interested in poetry, visual art, Gaelic language, and contemporary art song. It rewards performers who can shape text clearly while sustaining a strong sense of color and character.