Nature Revisited

High Voice & Piano

Using the words of Vermont poet Jay Parini, I have composed a cycle that evokes impressions of New England. In the first song of the cycle, Rain Before Nightfall, the performers are encouraged to add their personal reflections on the beautiful imagery of Parini’s poem through their interpretation. The gentle, continuously flowing piano accompaniment in Stars Falling was inspired by the vast, swirling view of a clear night sky. Lake House in Autumn is a peaceful, melancholy meditation on the changing of the seasons. In the final song, Who Owns the Land?, the issue of environmental responsibility is approached through the eyes of three animals. Each of the animals offers a satirical response to the question, “Who owns the land?” which ultimately reflects on our own unwillingness to take care of the Earth.

Performed here by Rebecca Sjöwall, soprano and Nic Gerpe, piano.