The Everlasting Voices: A Cantata for Solo Mezzo-Soprano, Chamber Chorus, and Large Chamber Ensemble
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Date
2015-08-18
Authors
Johnson, Alexander
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This four movement cantata is scored for solo mezzo-soprano, chamber chorus, and large chamber ensemble. The text that is set in this piece is an amalgamation of adaptations of three poems by Walt Whitman (Proud Music of the Storm; That Music Always Round Me; Darest Thou Now, O Soul) and a poem by W.B. Yeats (The Everlasting Voices), from which the work derives its name. The piece depicts a journey of the soul from a place of intellectual and spiritual barrenness to a place of enlightenment and fulfillment, aided by musical forces of the universe. These forces, embodied by the chorus and chamber ensemble, seek out a despairing human soul, embodied by the solo mezzo-soprano. The musical forces infuse themselves into the soul, which is then empowered to not only understand the musical art but to explore the depths of humanity and to fully connect with the universe.
Description
Keywords
Cantata, Chamber, Chorus, Mezzo, Whitman, Yeats