William Bolcom “Lime Jell-O Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise:” Music, fun, and short
William Bolcom
Here in Vermont I went to a concert of works based on food. The concert was sponsored by Scrag Mountain Music, a central Vermont organization that promotes music in unusual places (local public schools, farmers’ markets) so that ‘classical’ music can take its rightful place as part of our lives. The poem below was the first piece of music on the program.
The words of (and music to) this poem were written by William Bolcom. He wrote the song as an encore for concerts which featured his songs, performed by his wife Joan Morris with himself as piano accompanist. [Bolcom is an accomplished composer in the ‘traditional’ sense: He won the Pulitzer Prize for Music and four Grammys, was awarded a National Medal for the Arts, and studied with some of the 20th century’s greatest composers, composers such as Darius Milhaud and Olivier Messiaen. He sees no difference between his classical music career and his work with popular song.]
Once before I sent out a song, one by Charles Ives, in a letter in which I considered whether a mediocre poem could become ‘excellent’ by being set to music. And I sent out another piece on the sheer joy of art, this one about music by Rossini. So in some sense this mailing may be redundant: and yet what I have to say here is, I think, important enough to be repeated.
Unlike my usual practice. I’m not going to say anything about the poem, other than what you can find on the web:
William Bolcom wrote this novelty song for his wife, mezzo-soprano Joan Morris. It was inspired by his childhood playing the piano for local women’s clubs, which would serve bland, processed food that was in vogue in America during the post-World War II era. The song, which is entirely spoken over a piano playing alternating chords, makes fun not only of the unappetizing food but also the genteel manners that prevail at such social gathering…
So why am I sending it to you? Because I realized very powerfully, as I was listening to it, that poetry can be fun; that poetry is not just ‘serious’ but also playful. We need to be reminded of that, over and over again. Joy, and enjoyment, are one of the wellsprings of poetry.
So here is the poem, in rhymed couplets, along with links to a performance of the song by Bolcom and Morris and the performance I heard by Mary Bonhag and David Kaplan.
Lime Jell-O Marshmallow Cottage Cheese SurpriseWilliam Bolcomb
Ladies, the minutes will soon be read today
The garden club and weaving class I'm sure have much to say
But next week is our culture night, our biggest, best event
And I've just made a dish for it you'll all find heaven-sent
It's my lime Jell-O marshmallow cottage cheese surprise
With slices of pimento. You won't believe your eyes!
All topped with a pineapple ring and a dash of mayonnaise
My vanilla wafers round the edge will win your highest praise
And Mrs. Jones is making scones that are filled with peanut mousse
To be followed by a chicken mold that's made in the shape of a goose
For ladies who must watch those pounds, we've found a special dish
Strawberry ice enshrined in rice with bits of tuna fish!
And my lime Jell-O marshmallow cottage cheese surprise
Truly a creation that description defies
Will go so well with Mrs. Bell's creation of the week
Shrimp salad topped with chocolate sauce and garnished with a leek
And Mrs. Perkins' walnut loaf that's crowned with melted cheese
Was such a hit last Culture Night we asked, "No seconds, please."
Now you must try her hot dog pie with candied mushroom slices
Those ladies who resigned last year, they just don't know what nice is
And my lime Jell-O marshmallow cottage cheese surprise
I did not steal that recipe! It's lies, I tell you! Lies!
Our grand award: a picture hat and a salmon sequined gown
For any girl who tries each dish and keeps her whole lunch down
I'm sure you all are waiting for the biggest news: dessert!
We thought of things in molds and rings your diet to subvert
You must try our chocolate layer cake on a peanut brittle base
With slices of bananas that make a funny face
Around the edges, peppermints just swimming in peach custard
With lovely little curlicues of lovely yellow mustard
If all this is too much for you, permit me to advise
More lime Jell-O marshmallow cottage cheese surprise
I've made heaps!
William Bolcomb on the piano, his wife Joan Morris singing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tWuG2oPL3o#action=share
Mary Bonhag singing, with David Kaplan piano, in Montpelier VT