Song for Mother Gaia
While perusing for a set of poems, I stumbled upon “June Night” by Sara Teasdale. Like most of Sara’s poetry, this poem has a solemnity to it. Immediately upon reading her poetry, three words came to mind: solitude, sincerity, and love.
I adapted the poem into the following text:
Oh, Earth you are too dear tonight,
How can I sleep, while all around
Floats rainy fragrance and the far
Deep voice of the ocean that talks to the ground?Oh Earth, you gave me all I have, I love you, Earth.
This adapted text resulted in Song for Mother Gaia, which is just that – a song for Earth, showcasing my love for our beautiful planet. I have always loved nature, and part of that love, I believe, comes from the fact that some form of it has always surrounded me. This composition explores many different colors that mimic a beautiful transient moment of daydreaming, appreciating the wonders and beauty of what I call this huge green planet, home.
BACKGROUND
PREMIERE: Portland State University Chamber Choir, Karen Porter, conductor. December 9, 2020
“June Night” from Flame and Shadow
by Sarah Teasdale
Oh Earth, you are too dear to-night,
How can I sleep while all around
Floats rainy fragrance and the far
Deep voice of the ocean that talks to the ground?
Oh Earth, you gave me all I have,
I love you, I love you,— oh what have I
That I can give you in return —
Except my body after I die?
THE TEXT
DURATION
Approx. 4 Minutes
DATE OF COMPOSITION
2019
INSTRUMENTATION
SATB Chorus, a capella
LEVEL
Medium