Carlisle Floyd

Composer.

In addition to incomparable lyricism, structural perfection, and perfectly-placed chromaticism, Carlisle's voice is distinctly his. Whether in his concert work or operas, the notes take the listener through a narrative of humanity unparalleled by so many of his generation and beyond. His music reaches the listener through a direct channel to the soul.
-Mark Lewis, Composer
Mentor.

His skills as a mentor were at least as great as the musical components of his gift. Regardless of the specialties of his individual collaborators--singers, conductors, directors, students of all stripes--he dispensed the rarest amalgam of truth and tact. His criticism was delivered with the kindness and generosity that inspire growth, the hallmark of the greatest mentors.
-Thomas Holliday, biographer
Visionary.

Carlisle was fearless, brave and bold in his commitment to authenticity - to his true creative voice. He emerged at a time when academia and the so-called avant-garde had taken over and were dictating what was "acceptable" in terms of new music and theater. Carlisle ignored all of that, ignored fads and trends, and wrote from his heart and soul to give us operas of soaring beauty, searing drama, truth in storytelling and character.
-Jake Heggie, Composer

In his own words.

Carlisle Floyd in interviews on art and music as well as excerpts from many of his operas.

His powerful impact in the world of opera, creating a uniquely American voice, weaving a tapestry of words and music into unforgettable dramatic experiences is an enduring legacy.

Joan Eidman, Harpist
He unapologetically followed his own sense of musical style and developed his own musical language throughout his life. He passed his knowledge on to us... the next generation of composers and librettists, and we in turn are passing his knowledge on to our students and to the people who hear our compositions.

Mary Carol Warwick, composer
Carlisle's music has the ability to grab you by the throat, the gut, the soul and not let you go.

Daniel Belcher, baritone
Carlisle told me he had written Of Mice and Men and something was not quite right [with the libretto]. A colleague pointed out the dramatic problem and Carlisle threw all his work in the trash and began again. I thought I can learn something from this man who is so ruthless with his own work.

Kate Pogue, Librettist & Author