What Do Women Want? is a contemporary art song by Mexican composer José Enrique González Medina, set to a poem by acclaimed American poet Kim Addonizio. The song opens the cycle Canciones para practicar su inglés (Songs to Practice Your English), Op. 34 (2011), a collection that brings together contemporary English-language poetry with original art song settings that celebrate both literary expression and the musicality of the English language.
With wit, honesty, and emotional depth, Addonizio's poem explores desire, identity, vulnerability, and the complexity of human relationships. Rather than answering the question posed by its title, the poem invites reflection through vivid imagery and unexpected perspectives. González Medina's musical setting captures these shifting emotions with an expressive vocal line and a richly textured piano accompaniment, creating a compelling dialogue between poetry and music.
As part of Canciones para practicar su inglés, the work offers singers a valuable opportunity to perform contemporary English-language repertoire while refining expressive diction and communication. More than a pedagogical collection, the cycle presents complete artistic works that combine sophisticated poetry with engaging and accessible musical language.
Ideal for recitals, university performances, competitions, and contemporary vocal programs, What Do Women Want? is an excellent addition to the repertoire of singers seeking meaningful English-language art songs by Latin American composers.
Instrumentation: Voice and Piano
Voice Type: Medium Voice (Mezzo-soprano)
Language: English
Composer: José Enrique González Medina (Mexico)
Poet: Kim Addonizio (United States)
Collection: Canciones para practicar su inglés (Songs to Practice Your English), Op. 34 (2011)
Country: Mexico
Genre: Contemporary Art Song
What Do Women Want? is a contemporary art song by Mexican composer José Enrique González Medina, set to a poem by acclaimed American poet Kim Addonizio. The song opens the cycle Canciones para practicar su inglés (Songs to Practice Your English), Op. 34 (2011), a collection that brings together contemporary English-language poetry with original art song settings that celebrate both literary expression and the musicality of the English language.
With wit, honesty, and emotional depth, Addonizio's poem explores desire, identity, vulnerability, and the complexity of human relationships. Rather than answering the question posed by its title, the poem invites reflection through vivid imagery and unexpected perspectives. González Medina's musical setting captures these shifting emotions with an expressive vocal line and a richly textured piano accompaniment, creating a compelling dialogue between poetry and music.
As part of Canciones para practicar su inglés, the work offers singers a valuable opportunity to perform contemporary English-language repertoire while refining expressive diction and communication. More than a pedagogical collection, the cycle presents complete artistic works that combine sophisticated poetry with engaging and accessible musical language.
Ideal for recitals, university performances, competitions, and contemporary vocal programs, What Do Women Want? is an excellent addition to the repertoire of singers seeking meaningful English-language art songs by Latin American composers.
Instrumentation: Voice and Piano
Voice Type: Medium Voice (Mezzo-soprano)
Language: English
Composer: José Enrique González Medina (Mexico)
Poet: Kim Addonizio (United States)
Collection: Canciones para practicar su inglés (Songs to Practice Your English), Op. 34 (2011)
Country: Mexico
Genre: Contemporary Art Song
