Nanaimo, B.C.
Sweetest Love
A tender and gentle work for Mezzo-soprano, string quartet and keyboard
The English poet John Donne (1572-1631) wrote a poem entitled Song perhaps as a farewell to his wife when he set out on a journey to Europe in 1611. Musically, I wished to focus on the tenderness of feeling of the poet for his wife. This is realized with long, expressive musical phrases and a pulsing, mostly harmonious accompaniment. As the poet explores other feelings that wax closer to loneliness, despair, and powerlessness, I indulge musical caprices that follow this emotional course, allowing the musical language to grow more dramatic and intense. Eventually the poet consoles himself with a theme of sleep and the music likewise ebbs and draws to a close.
| Duration: | 7:50 min. |
|---|---|
| Instrumentation: | mezzo-soprano, string quartet and keyboard |
| Composition Date: | January 2012 |
Download the score
Download a sample live recording
Download the synthesized mp3