Fraud (from "Broken Sleep"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures the full range of LaChisua's theatrical voice in one volume, making it invaluable for anyone seeking contemporary art song literature with dramatic substance. The piano parts are idiomatic and rewarding without overshadowing the vocal line, and the harmonic language offers pianists genuine interpretive choices. Whether you're casting a recital, building a contemporary cabaret, or simply wanting to explore music that respects both singer and listener intelligence, these 39 songs deliver.

These songs inhabit psychological and emotional terrain that feels both highly specific and universally resonant. The piano writing creates intimate atmospheres while the vocal lines demand vulnerability and precision; there's no hiding in LaChisua's music. Whether a character is confessing, mourning, or musing, the score unfolds with the texture and detail of contemporary classical song.

This collection serves singers and pianist collaborators who are comfortable with contemporary harmonic language and rhythmic sophistication. It's essential for music theatre performers building recital repertoire, pianists seeking challenging and rewarding song literature, and teachers introducing advanced students to 21st-century theatrical composition. Voice students preparing for conservatory auditions will find pieces that showcase both technical facility and interpretive maturity.

• Study the harmonic movement before worrying about the melody; LaChisua's chords often establish the emotional foundation of a phrase, and understanding them will clarify phrasing and dynamic shape.
• Resist the urge to smooth out rhythmic or melodic irregularities. The unexpected phrase lengths and chromatic moments are intentional and serve the character and text.
• Use the chord symbols as a starting point for reharmonization in rehearsal. These songs reward pianists who understand the harmonic logic beneath the written voicings.
• Balance clarity in the piano part with the primacy of the vocal line. LaChisua writes active, interesting accompaniments that should support rather than compete.

Curate a cabaret or recital evening around a single show or theme from this collection; the breadth of material allows for compelling dramaturgical programming. These songs work equally well in song recital contexts alongside art song and contemporary concert music, or as a coherent evening of LaChisua's theatre work. Individual pieces integrate seamlessly into classes exploring contemporary composition, musical theatre history, or advanced song interpretation.

• Reading and interpreting complex harmonic language and chromatic voice leading
• Sustaining lyrical phrasing across irregular phrase structures
• Collaborative listening between singer and pianist in music with active accompaniment
• Understanding how contemporary theatrical composition serves character and emotional specificity
• Interpreting stylistic nuance in music that avoids conventional theatrical clichés