This series of four songs are settings of poems by the early 20th century poet, Sara Teasdale. Being that Teasdale’s texts are lyrical in nature, the music is essentially lyrical as well, and highly nuanced.
The four poems I chose were:
- The Crystal Gazer: Here, while gazing into a crystal ball, the poet views various images of the past, present and future.
- There Will Come Soft Rains: This poem, written during World War I, tells of birds and other creatures living carefree and oblivious to the tragedies of war.
- Wood Song: The poet, broken hearted, takes solace in the three notes of a wood thrush.
- The Answer: In the final setting, the poet speaks proudly of her life; both its joys and sorrows. She dismisses those who pity her after she has died.
A perusal score and set of parts are available by request.
The sound files of the four songs appear below:
There Will Come Soft Rains