Four poems sharing a common motif of 'Night' provide the texts for my choral cycle Nocturnes the American Choral Directors Association's commissioned work for its 2005 national convention. For Rilke's atmospheric “Sanuit d'ete ” several melodic themes are supported by dense colorful harmonies in both the choral and piano parts leading to a climactic section where all are combined and stated simultaneously. Neruda's “Soneto de laNoche ” from his Cien Sonetos de Amor speaks of an eternal love that transcends death while reaffirming life. My a cappella setting of this gorgeous poem is predominantly quiet serene and folk-like utilizing directharmonies accompanying long lyrical vocal lines. Agee's wondrous “Sure on this Shining Night” is set much like a song from the American musical theater a genre for which I have held a life-long esteem. Rilke'spoignant “Voici le soir” recalls the opening bell sounds and jazz-tinged chords of the first movement and serves as an epilogue quietly concluding this cycle of night songs as darkness descends.--MortenLauridsen
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