That is Solemn, We Have Ended

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Piano — Emily Dickinson's two poems entitled Endingxa0and Dawn provide the ideal backdrop for an experience that begins in darkness and ends in a burst of light and mystery. Meredith Tompkins' interpretation of the two texts centers on the multi-faceted meanings of each poem, exploring themes of lost youth, leaving home, mortality, destiny and hope. Audiences and choirs alike will experience Dickinson's poignant words through haunting melodies, vivid text-painting, dynamic contrast, minimalist soundscapes and melodic layering that gradually builds to intense and thought-provoking conclusions."Ending":That is solemn we have ended, —Be it but a play,Or a glee among the garrets,Or a holiday,Or a leaving home; or later,Parting with a worldWe have understood, for betterStill it be unfurled.xa0"Dawn":Not knowing when the dawn will comeI open every door;Or has it feathers like a bird,Or billows like a shore? Tompkins' interpretation of two Emily Dickinson texts centers on the multi-faceted meanings of each poem. With haunting melodies, vivid text-painting, dynamic contrast, minimalist soundscapes, and melodic layering that gradually builds to intense and thought-provoking conclusions, this powerful piece is sure to capture the hearts of both singer and audience.

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