I Have Heard the Music There

Description

Soprano, Alto, Piano, Descant — I Have Heard the Music There for treble voices, optional descant, with piano is a lyrical work that utilizes a reoccurring motif which grows and varies. The developing variation-like use of this theme speaks to the image or notion of growth; the growth of a tree, of a person, or a choir. We may start out small, then vary, change, develop, transform. The vocal line’s slight variation, use of repetition, imitation, and canonic-like movements weave a thread of familiarity through the piano’s tapestry of subtle shifts in timbre, register, and alternation between chorale-like writing and moments of florid flourishing; the music paints the imagery of the text.The text by Leslie Grant Scott illuminates themes of the humanity, solace, and comfort we find in Nature. The forest’s foliage filters out the harshness of the world, and we are calmed by the forest’s heart. To me Nature is also a metaphor for community, or the network of loved ones you may have, over perhaps your choir; together with compassion and kindness we are able to filter the world’s harshness, together we grow, we celebrate, and we listen to the music around us.SILENCE [Leslie Grant Scott, 1912 PD] adpt. M. EmeryI have heard the music thereIn the deep forest's heart, Where filters the sun's rays, In a still, golden haze.I have heard the music there.The breathless silence speaks, Bringing Nature's soft balm And her great soothing calm To all those who will hear.I have heard the music there New to the Carl Fischer choral catalog, Matthew Emery brings a unique, fresh voice in his compositions. His lyrical SA work paints the imagery of the text, utilizing a reoccurring motif with slight variation, use of repetition, imitation, and canonic-like movements, all of which weave a thread of familiarity through the piano and vocal lines.

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