On the surface, “A Light exists in Spring” captures Emily Dickinson’s feelings during an ephemeral experience of Nature—that particular light that is unique to early Spring. But there is a wonderful depth in her writing, including insights about how Nature moves us to feel, the relationship between contentment and Nature, and our experience of the passing of the intangible.
An End
“An End” is a multi-movement a cappella SSATBB setting of Christina Rossetti’s poem by the same name. I was captivated by a literal interpretation of this poem: the tragic death of a baby born in Spring, and the awful emotional turmoil for those left behind. The music I wrote explores the complex facets of such a loss.
a cappella, Christina Rossetti, English, PROJECT:ENCORE, SATB, SSATBBBreak, Break, Break
Tennyson’s poem opens with rather conventional imagery (crashing sea, coldness, grayness). So, too, the music starts with a texture that mimics the endless crashing waves—a cascade of falling voices resolving suspensions only to create new ones: “break, break, break, …” The main narrative is then taken up by the choir in a style that is thick with suspensions that reflect the narrator’s yearning…
a cappella, English, Lord Tennyson, SATB, SSAATTBBCradle Hymn
An arrangement of the Horatio and Isabella Parker Cradle Hymn from their Christmas cantata The Holy Child. Originally published in 1893 as a soprano and tenor duet, this arrangement is for SATB choir with piano accompaniment.
Anthem, Christmas, English, Horatio Parker, Isabella Parker, Piano, Sacred, SATBFamine Song
Written as a funeral dirge, Famine Song tells a story of disease, death, and love in late 19th century India.
a cappella, Adela Florence Nicolson, Alto Solo, Drum, English, India's Love Lyrics, SATBGolden Stars
The first (of now many) settings of poems by Adela Florence Nicolson. Written in a freeform, meterless manner, allowing great freedom of expression by the performers.
a cappella, Adela Florence Nicolson, English, India's Love Lyrics, SATB