SKU: PR.312418800

ISBN 9781491138151. UPC: 680160640225. Second April, by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Second April for S.A.T.B. Chorus and Piano is a four-movement set, based on the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Ewazen has long been enamored with her poetry's wonderfully vivid and descriptive imagery of nature and emotions, and its powerful and profound meaning. The final movement, INTO THE GOLDEN VESSEL OF GREAT SONG is an appassionato call to overcome! The poem exhorts us to “sing out” with hope, determination, and strength. The music contrasts turmoil and times of strife with a return to championing the idea of simply overcoming, going forward with hope and determination, with the closing music in major, resonant and strong.  .
SECOND APRIL for S.A.T.B. Chorus and Piano is a four-movement set, based on the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. I have long been enamored with the poetry of Millay for its wonderfully vivid and descriptive imagery, and its often powerful and profound meaning. Millay’s descriptions of nature, and of feelings and emotions, have always spoken to me. SECOND APRIL consists of four of her poems, each with a distinctive mood, message, and emotional feel. They are vivid, powerful, and beautiful, inspiring me to capture these descriptions of the various scenes she portrays.  Song of a Second April uses music to underlie strong feelings, passions, and the tragedies of life. The poem itself is dramatic, detailing a time of personal strife and tragedy, perhaps the end of a relationship or even the end of a life. The music is intense, fast, in a minor key, and with rapid, spinning notes creating a feeling of powerful, relentless emotions. Melodies, motives, and gestures are tossed between the voices, increasing the feelings of intensity and even desperation. Little by little, the music almost dies away, getting quieter and quieter, creating a feeling of resignation, but with a Picardy Third in the final chord – maybe a bit of hope!  Mariposa is a celebration of nature, wandering through a field with white and blue butterflies appearing almost wondrously. But there’s also a profound feeling of poignancy, noting that as one relishes such a beautiful, magical sight, they should embrace the experience – the fleeting, transient nature of such a perfect vision and of life itself. The music portrays the flying of the butterflies: gentle, beautiful, with rich chords and arpeggios, but stepping back, as the fleeting nature of life is the reality, with gentle, but sombre chords interspersed with the magical flight of the Mariposa.Alms is a fast rondo, intense, bold, and always dance-like. It is about both tragedy and resilience. This music is also in minor, yet with moments of playfulness, as a recollection of happy times or moments takes over. This seesaw between emotions is heard throughout the movement, as the music continues to “dance.”  And with Millay’s summing up of “reality being what it is,” the piece ends with strength, boldness, and finality. Into the Golden Vessel of Great Song is an appassionato call to overcome! The poem exhorts us to “sing out” with hope, determination, and strength. The music is full of bright and lilting energy; but as the turmoil and times of strife people can sometimes feel or experience, the music becomes intense, dramatic, in a minor key, and with changing rhythms. BUT, there is a return to championing the idea of simply overcoming, going forward with hope and determination, and the music is in major, resonant and strong.  .

SKU: BT.DHP-1216342-140

English-German-French- Dutch.

Queen Cleopatra ruled Egypt for over 20 years. She is one of antiquity’s best-known women, in particular because of her relationships with Julius Caesar and, above all, Mark-Anthony, but also because the cause of her death remainsa mystery. The work is split into three parts and performed without breaks. The first section begins with a bright introduction representing Mark-Anthony. Dynamic in nature and reminiscent of military music, this characterises theRoman general. But soon after, another theme emerges, softer and more melodic, symbolising Cleopatra’s femininity. The two characters then combine on a faster tempo. The middle section of the work depicts the love thatMark-Anthony and Cleopatra feel for each other. This passionate relationship lasted ten years and produced three children. This is expressed by a warm and intense theme, just like the beauty of the Egyptian queen. The third andlast section opens in a determined and military mood. Mark-Anthony and Cleopatra were often apart, the Roman general was often away on a campaign. They met up in Alexandria to celebrate their triumph. But, as the targets of thejealousy and ambition of Octavius, Julius Caesar’s son, the lovers are trapped and await the inevitable conquest of Egypt by the Romans. When Mark-Anthony heard the false news that Cleopatra had committed suicide, he ended his ownlife. The Queen of Egypt, for her part, was imprisoned shortly afterwards. The two lovers remain one of History’s most famous couples. This piece was commissioned by the Wind Orchestra of the town of Antony, near Paris, directedby Philippe Rossignol, to mark its 90th anniversary.

Konin gin Cleopatra heerste meer dan twintig jaar lang over Egypte. Ze is een van de bekendste vrouwen uit de oudheid, vanwege haar relatie met Julius Caesar en vooral die met Marcus Antonius, maar ook omdat de oorzaak van haardood altijd een mysterie is gebleven. Dit werk bestaat uit drie in elkaar overlopende delen. Het eerste deel begint met de levendige introductie van Marcus Antonius. Met het dynamische en enigszins militaire karakter van de muziekwordt de Romeinse generaal krachtig neergezet. Snel daarna doemt een zachter en melodieuzer thema op een weerspiegeling van Cleopatra’s vrouwelijkheid. De twee persoonlijkheden gaan vervolgens samen verder in een vlotter tempo.Het middelste deel beschrijft de liefde die Marcus Antonius en Cleopatra voor elkaar voelden. Hun hartstochtelijke relatie duurde tien jaar en bracht drie kinderen voort. Dit wordt uitgedrukt in een warm en intens thema waarintevens de schoonheid van de Egyptische koningin doorschemert. Het derde en laatste deel opent vastberaden en in militaire sfeer. Marcus Antonius en Cleopatra waren vaak bij elkaar vandaan: de generaal was geregeld weg om strijd tevoeren. In Alexandrië vierden ze samen hun triomf, maar de jaloezie en ambitie van Octavius, de zoon van Julius Caesar, gooide roet in het eten. De geliefden werden in de val gelokt en de onvermijdelijke verovering van Egypte doorde Romeinen volgde al snel. Toen Marcus Antonius het onjuiste bericht kreeg dat Cleopatra zelfmoord had gepleegd, maakte hij een eind aan zijn eigen leven: de koningin van Egypte werd op haar beurt kort daarna gevangengezet. Detwee geliefden behoren tot de beroemdste stellen uit de wereldgeschiedenis. Cleopatra werd in opdracht geschreven om het negentigjarig bestaan van het blaasorkest uit de gemeente Antony dicht bij Parijs te markeren. Dat orkestbracht het onder leiding van Philippe Rossignol in première.

Kö nigin Kleopatra regierte über 20 Jahre lang Ägypten. Sie ist eine der bekanntesten Frauen der Antike, insbesondere aufgrund ihrer Beziehungen zu Julius Cäsar und vor allem zu Marcus Antonius aber auch aufgrund ihrerrätselhaften Todesursache. Das Werk besteht aus drei Abschnitten, die ohne Unterbrechung gespielt werden. Der erste Abschnitt beginnt mit einer strahlenden Einleitung, die Marcus Antonius darstellt. Die martialische und dynamischeMusik beschreibt den römischen Feldherrn. Doch bald darauf erklingt ein neues Thema, das sanfter und melodischer ist und Kleopatras Weiblichkeit symbolisiert. Die beiden Charaktere verschmelzen schließlich in einem schnellerenTempo. Der Mittelteil des Werkes beschreibt die Liebe, die Marcus Antonius und Kleopatra füreinander empfinden. Die leidenschaftliche Beziehung der beiden dauerte zehn Jahre lang und aus ihr gingen drei Kinder hervor. Dafür stehtein warmes und intensives Thema, das auch die Schönheit der ägyptischen Königin beschreibt. Der dritte und letzte Abschnitt beginnt mit einer entschlossenen und kriegerischen Stimmung. Marcus Antonius und Kleopatra waren oftmalsgetrennt, wenn sich der römische Feldherr auf Feldzügen befand. In Alexandria trafen sie sich, um ihren Sieg zu feiern. Doch sie waren Opfer der Eifersucht und der ehrgeizigen Ambitionen von Octavius, Julius Cäsars Sohn, wurden ineine Falle gelockt und mussten auf die bevorstehende Eroberung Ägyptens durch die Römer warten. Als Marcus Antonius die Nachricht vom vermeintlichen Selbstmord Kleopatras erhielt, nahm er sich selbst das Leben. Die Königin vonÄgypten wurde ihrerseits kurz darauf inhaftiert. Die beiden zählen zu den berühmtesten Liebespaaren der Geschichte. Dieses Stück wurde vom Orchestre d’Harmonie de la Ville d’Antony aus der Nähe von Paris, das von PhilippeRossignol geleitet wird, anlässlich seines 90-jährigen Jubiläums in Auftrag gegeben.

La Reine Cléop tre règne sur l’Égypte pendant plus de 20 ans. Elle est l’une des femmes les plus connues de l’Antiquité, notamment gr ce ses relations avec Jules César et surtout avec Marc-Antoine (Antony), mais aussi par lemystère qu’entoure sa disparition. L’œuvre est écrite en trois parties enchaînées. La première commence par une brillante introduction qui représente Marc-Antoine. A la fois martiale et dynamique, cette musique caractérise legénéral romain. Mais très vite, un nouveau thème apparaît, plus mélodique et plus doux, il symbolise la féminité que représente Cléop tre. Les deux caractères vont ensuite s’assembler dans un tempo plus rapide. La partie centralede l’œuvre dépeint l’amour que Marc-Antoine et Cléop tre ressentent l’un pour l’autre. Cette relation passionnée durera 10 ans et donnera naissance 3 enfants. Il en résulte un thème chaleureux et intense, l’image de la beautéde la reine d’Égypte. Enfin, c’est sur un caractère décidé et guerrier que la troisième partie débute. Marc-Antoine et Cléop tre sont souvent séparés, le général romain est souvent en campagne. Ils se retrouvent Alexandrie pourfêter leur triomphe. Mais, victimes de la jalousie et de l’ambition terrifiante d’Octave, fils de Jules César, les amants sont piégés et attendent inexorablement que l’Égypte soit conquise par les Romains. A la fausse annonce dusuicide de Cléop tre, Marc-Antoine met fin ses jours. La Reine d’Egypte sera quant elle emprisonnée peu de temps après. Les deux amants resteront l’un des couples les plus célèbres de l’Histoire. L’œuvre a été commandée parl’Orchestre d’Harmonie de la ville d’Antony l’occasion de ses 90 ans : l’orchestre est placé sous la direction de Philippe Rossignol.

SKU: BT.DHP-1216342-010

English-German-French- Dutch.

Queen Cleopatra ruled Egypt for over 20 years. She is one of antiquity’s best-known women, in particular because of her relationships with Julius Caesar and, above all, Mark-Anthony, but also because the cause of her death remainsa mystery. The work is split into three parts and performed without breaks. The first section begins with a bright introduction representing Mark-Anthony. Dynamic in nature and reminiscent of military music, this characterises theRoman general. But soon after, another theme emerges, softer and more melodic, symbolising Cleopatra’s femininity. The two characters then combine on a faster tempo. The middle section of the work depicts the love thatMark-Anthony and Cleopatra feel for each other. This passionate relationship lasted ten years and produced three children. This is expressed by a warm and intense theme, just like the beauty of the Egyptian queen. The third andlast section opens in a determined and military mood. Mark-Anthony and Cleopatra were often apart, the Roman general was often away on a campaign. They met up in Alexandria to celebrate their triumph. But, as the targets of thejealousy and ambition of Octavius, Julius Caesar’s son, the lovers are trapped and await the inevitable conquest of Egypt by the Romans. When Mark-Anthony heard the false news that Cleopatra had committed suicide, he ended his ownlife. The Queen of Egypt, for her part, was imprisoned shortly afterwards. The two lovers remain one of History’s most famous couples. This piece was commissioned by the Wind Orchestra of the town of Antony, near Paris, directedby Philippe Rossignol, to mark its 90th anniversary.

Konin gin Cleopatra heerste meer dan twintig jaar lang over Egypte. Ze is een van de bekendste vrouwen uit de oudheid, vanwege haar relatie met Julius Caesar en vooral die met Marcus Antonius, maar ook omdat de oorzaak van haardood altijd een mysterie is gebleven. Dit werk bestaat uit drie in elkaar overlopende delen. Het eerste deel begint met de levendige introductie van Marcus Antonius. Met het dynamische en enigszins militaire karakter van de muziekwordt de Romeinse generaal krachtig neergezet. Snel daarna doemt een zachter en melodieuzer thema op een weerspiegeling van Cleopatra’s vrouwelijkheid. De twee persoonlijkheden gaan vervolgens samen verder in een vlotter tempo.Het middelste deel beschrijft de liefde die Marcus Antonius en Cleopatra voor elkaar voelden. Hun hartstochtelijke relatie duurde tien jaar en bracht drie kinderen voort. Dit wordt uitgedrukt in een warm en intens thema waarintevens de schoonheid van de Egyptische koningin doorschemert. Het derde en laatste deel opent vastberaden en in militaire sfeer. Marcus Antonius en Cleopatra waren vaak bij elkaar vandaan: de generaal was geregeld weg om strijd tevoeren. In Alexandrië vierden ze samen hun triomf, maar de jaloezie en ambitie van Octavius, de zoon van Julius Caesar, gooide roet in het eten. De geliefden werden in de val gelokt en de onvermijdelijke verovering van Egypte doorde Romeinen volgde al snel. Toen Marcus Antonius het onjuiste bericht kreeg dat Cleopatra zelfmoord had gepleegd, maakte hij een eind aan zijn eigen leven: de koningin van Egypte werd op haar beurt kort daarna gevangengezet. Detwee geliefden behoren tot de beroemdste stellen uit de wereldgeschiedenis. Cleopatra werd in opdracht geschreven om het negentigjarig bestaan van het blaasorkest uit de gemeente Antony dicht bij Parijs te markeren. Dat orkestbracht het onder leiding van Philippe Rossignol in première.

Kö nigin Kleopatra regierte über 20 Jahre lang Ägypten. Sie ist eine der bekanntesten Frauen der Antike, insbesondere aufgrund ihrer Beziehungen zu Julius Cäsar und vor allem zu Marcus Antonius aber auch aufgrund ihrerrätselhaften Todesursache. Das Werk besteht aus drei Abschnitten, die ohne Unterbrechung gespielt werden. Der erste Abschnitt beginnt mit einer strahlenden Einleitung, die Marcus Antonius darstellt. Die martialische und dynamischeMusik beschreibt den römischen Feldherrn. Doch bald darauf erklingt ein neues Thema, das sanfter und melodischer ist und Kleopatras Weiblichkeit symbolisiert. Die beiden Charaktere verschmelzen schließlich in einem schnellerenTempo. Der Mittelteil des Werkes beschreibt die Liebe, die Marcus Antonius und Kleopatra füreinander empfinden. Die leidenschaftliche Beziehung der beiden dauerte zehn Jahre lang und aus ihr gingen drei Kinder hervor. Dafür stehtein warmes und intensives Thema, das auch die Schönheit der ägyptischen Königin beschreibt. Der dritte und letzte Abschnitt beginnt mit einer entschlossenen und kriegerischen Stimmung. Marcus Antonius und Kleopatra waren oftmalsgetrennt, wenn sich der römische Feldherr auf Feldzügen befand. In Alexandria trafen sie sich, um ihren Sieg zu feiern. Doch sie waren Opfer der Eifersucht und der ehrgeizigen Ambitionen von Octavius, Julius Cäsars Sohn, wurden ineine Falle gelockt und mussten auf die bevorstehende Eroberung Ägyptens durch die Römer warten. Als Marcus Antonius die Nachricht vom vermeintlichen Selbstmord Kleopatras erhielt, nahm er sich selbst das Leben. Die Königin vonÄgypten wurde ihrerseits kurz darauf inhaftiert. Die beiden zählen zu den berühmtesten Liebespaaren der Geschichte. Dieses Stück wurde vom Orchestre d’Harmonie de la Ville d’Antony aus der Nähe von Paris, das von PhilippeRossignol geleitet wird, anlässlich seines 90-jährigen Jubiläums in Auftrag gegeben.

La Reine Cléop tre règne sur l’Égypte pendant plus de 20 ans. Elle est l’une des femmes les plus connues de l’Antiquité, notamment gr ce ses relations avec Jules César et surtout avec Marc-Antoine (Antony), mais aussi par lemystère qu’entoure sa disparition. L’œuvre est écrite en trois parties enchaînées. La première commence par une brillante introduction qui représente Marc-Antoine. A la fois martiale et dynamique, cette musique caractérise legénéral romain. Mais très vite, un nouveau thème apparaît, plus mélodique et plus doux, il symbolise la féminité que représente Cléop tre. Les deux caractères vont ensuite s’assembler dans un tempo plus rapide. La partie centralede l’œuvre dépeint l’amour que Marc-Antoine et Cléop tre ressentent l’un pour l’autre. Cette relation passionnée durera 10 ans et donnera naissance 3 enfants. Il en résulte un thème chaleureux et intense, l’image de la beautéde la reine d’Égypte. Enfin, c’est sur un caractère décidé et guerrier que la troisième partie débute. Marc-Antoine et Cléop tre sont souvent séparés, le général romain est souvent en campagne. Ils se retrouvent Alexandrie pourfêter leur triomphe. Mais, victimes de la jalousie et de l’ambition terrifiante d’Octave, fils de Jules César, les amants sont piégés et attendent inexorablement que l’Égypte soit conquise par les Romains. A la fausse annonce dusuicide de Cléop tre, Marc-Antoine met fin ses jours. La Reine d’Egypte sera quant elle emprisonnée peu de temps après. Les deux amants resteront l’un des couples les plus célèbres de l’Histoire. L’œuvre a été commandée parl’Orchestre d’Harmonie de la ville d’Antony l’occasion de ses 90 ans : l’orchestre est placé sous la direction de Philippe Rossignol.

SKU: PR.11441684S

UPC: 680160625253. 9 x 12 inches.

On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, the ensemble Music From China commissioned Chen Yi for a new work, which became Three Dances from China South, scored for Chinese instruments. Its three descriptive movements (Lions Playing Ball, Bamboo Dance, Lusheng Dance) are each inspired by folk dances from the southeastern provinces of China.
My chamber ensemble work Three Dances From China South is commissioned by Music From China tocelebrate its 30th anniversary, and scored for Chinese traditional instruments dizi, erhu, pipa, and zheng.  The commission has been made possible by the Chamber Music America Classical CommissioningProgram, with generous funding provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Chamber Music America Endowment Fund.  The world premiere is given at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall in New York City, on November 21, 2014.  My Three Dances From China South is dedicated to Susan Cheng, the founder and Executive Director of Music From China, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of MFC. There are three movements in my Three Dances From China South for dizi, erhu, pipa, and zheng.  Thematerial in the first movement Lions Playing Ball is drawn from a folk tune played in the accompanyingensemble for the folk dance under the same title in Chaozhou region in Guangdong province.  The image of the folk dance is vivid and entertaining.  The movement includes several variations on the theme.  The variation methods are inspired by the various rhythmic patterns used in the traditional ensemble playing.  The melodic material features a special mode with a tritone interval taken from the folk tune.  There are also lyrical sections with polyphonic layers in the variations.The music in the second movement is inspired by the folk Bamboo Dance, which is popular in Li minoritypeople from Hainan Island in the south.  The aged old folk dance is for ritual ceremony and harvest celebration in the history, in which there are pairs of people holding the ends of the long bamboo rods and clapping them loudly in stable pulse, for groups of dancers to dance between the bamboo shapes on the floor, in musical rhythms and ensemble patterns.  A musical motive with a jumping interval and articulation is used throughout the movement.The third movement is called Lusheng Dance.  I have witnessed the folk dance performance of the Dong minority people in Guangxi province in the 1980’s.  The exciting scene inspired me to imitate the large lusheng ensemble playing style in my ensemble of four Chinese instrumental musicians without using the sheng (a wind instrument with metal pipes that is popular in concert music, and similar to the folk lusheng).  On top of the rhythmic patterns, I imitated a two--voice folk song of Zhuang minority people in the same province.  The melody is played by the leading erhu and dizi.—Chen Yi.

SKU: PR.312418770

ISBN 9781491138120. UPC: 680160640195. Second April, by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Second April for S.A.T.B. Chorus and Piano is a four-movement set, based on the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Ewazen has long been enamored with her poetry's wonderfully vivid and descriptive imagery of nature and emotions, and its powerful and profound meaning. The first movement, SONG OF A SECOND APRIL is dramatic, detailing a time of personal strife and tragedy, perhaps the end of a relationship or even the end of a life. The music is intense, fast, in a minor key, creating a feeling of powerful, relentless emotions. Little by little, the music almost dies away, getting quieter and quieter, creating a feeling of resignation, but with a surprise Picardy Third in the final chord – suggesting a bit of hope!.
SECOND APRIL for S.A.T.B. Chorus and Piano is a four-movement set, based on the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. I have long been enamored with the poetry of Millay for its wonderfully vivid and descriptive imagery, and its often powerful and profound meaning. Millay’s descriptions of nature, and of feelings and emotions, have always spoken to me. SECOND APRIL consists of four of her poems, each with a distinctive mood, message, and emotional feel. They are vivid, powerful, and beautiful, inspiring me to capture these descriptions of the various scenes she portrays.  Song of a Second April uses music to underlie strong feelings, passions, and the tragedies of life. The poem itself is dramatic, detailing a time of personal strife and tragedy, perhaps the end of a relationship or even the end of a life. The music is intense, fast, in a minor key, and with rapid, spinning notes creating a feeling of powerful, relentless emotions. Melodies, motives, and gestures are tossed between the voices, increasing the feelings of intensity and even desperation. Little by little, the music almost dies away, getting quieter and quieter, creating a feeling of resignation, but with a Picardy Third in the final chord – maybe a bit of hope!  Mariposa is a celebration of nature, wandering through a field with white and blue butterflies appearing almost wondrously. But there’s also a profound feeling of poignancy, noting that as one relishes such a beautiful, magical sight, they should embrace the experience – the fleeting, transient nature of such a perfect vision and of life itself. The music portrays the flying of the butterflies: gentle, beautiful, with rich chords and arpeggios, but stepping back, as the fleeting nature of life is the reality, with gentle, but sombre chords interspersed with the magical flight of the Mariposa.Alms is a fast rondo, intense, bold, and always dance-like. It is about both tragedy and resilience. This music is also in minor, yet with moments of playfulness, as a recollection of happy times or moments takes over. This seesaw between emotions is heard throughout the movement, as the music continues to “dance.”  And with Millay’s summing up of “reality being what it is,” the piece ends with strength, boldness, and finality. Into the Golden Vessel of Great Song is an appassionato call to overcome! The poem exhorts us to “sing out” with hope, determination, and strength. The music is full of bright and lilting energy; but as the turmoil and times of strife people can sometimes feel or experience, the music becomes intense, dramatic, in a minor key, and with changing rhythms. BUT, there is a return to championing the idea of simply overcoming, going forward with hope and determination, and the music is in major, resonant and strong.  .

SKU: PR.312418790

ISBN 9781491138144. UPC: 680160640218. Second April, by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Second April for S.A.T.B. Chorus and Piano is a four-movement set, based on the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Ewazen has long been enamored with her poetry's wonderfully vivid and descriptive imagery of nature and emotions, and its powerful and profound meaning. The third movement, ALMS is a fast rondo, intense, bold, and always dance-like. It is about both tragedy and resilience. This music is primarily minor, yet with moments of playfulness, the recollection of happy times takes over. This seesaw between emotions is heard throughout the movement, and with Millay’s summing up of “reality being what it is,” the piece ends with strength, boldness, and finality. .
Program Notes by Eric EwazenSECOND APRIL for S.A.T.B. Chorus and Piano is a four-movement set, based on the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. I have long been enamored with the poetry of Millay for its wonderfully vivid and descriptive imagery, and its often powerful and profound meaning. Millay’s descriptions of nature, and of feelings and emotions, have always spoken to me. SECOND APRIL consists of four of her poems, each with a distinctive mood, message, and emotional feel. They are vivid, powerful, and beautiful, inspiring me to capture these descriptions of the various scenes she portrays.  Song of a Second April uses music to underlie strong feelings, passions, and the tragedies of life. The poem itself is dramatic, detailing a time of personal strife and tragedy, perhaps the end of a relationship or even the end of a life. The music is intense, fast, in a minor key, and with rapid, spinning notes creating a feeling of powerful, relentless emotions. Melodies, motives, and gestures are tossed between the voices, increasing the feelings of intensity and even desperation. Little by little, the music almost dies away, getting quieter and quieter, creating a feeling of resignation, but with a Picardy Third in the final chord – maybe a bit of hope!  Mariposa is a celebration of nature, wandering through a field with white and blue butterflies appearing almost wondrously. But there’s also a profound feeling of poignancy, noting that as one relishes such a beautiful, magical sight, they should embrace the experience – the fleeting, transient nature of such a perfect vision and of life itself. The music portrays the flying of the butterflies: gentle, beautiful, with rich chords and arpeggios, but stepping back, as the fleeting nature of life is the reality, with gentle, but sombre chords interspersed with the magical flight of the Mariposa.Alms is a fast rondo, intense, bold, and always dance-like. It is about both tragedy and resilience. This music is also in minor, yet with moments of playfulness, as a recollection of happy times or moments takes over. This seesaw between emotions is heard throughout the movement, as the music continues to “dance.”  And with Millay’s summing up of “reality being what it is,” the piece ends with strength, boldness, and finality. Into the Golden Vessel of Great Song is an appassionato call to overcome! The poem exhorts us to “sing out” with hope, determination, and strength. The music is full of bright and lilting energy; but as the turmoil and times of strife people can sometimes feel or experience, the music becomes intense, dramatic, in a minor key, and with changing rhythms. BUT, there is a return to championing the idea of simply overcoming, going forward with hope and determination, and the music is in major, resonant and strong.  .

SKU: PR.312418780

ISBN 9781491138137. UPC: 680160640201. Second April, by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Second April for S.A.T.B. Chorus and Piano is a four-movement set, based on the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Ewazen has long been enamored with her poetry's wonderfully vivid and descriptive imagery of nature and emotions, and its powerful and profound meaning. The second movement, MARIPOSA celebrates nature, wandering through a field of white and blue butterflies appearing wondrously, with rich chords and arpeggios. Yet also stepping back, the fleeting nature of life is the reality, with gentle, somber chords interspersed with the magical flight of the Mariposa.
Program Notes by Eric EwazenSECOND APRIL for S.A.T.B. Chorus and Piano is a four-movement set, based on the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. I have long been enamored with the poetry of Millay for its wonderfully vivid and descriptive imagery, and its often powerful and profound meaning. Millay’s descriptions of nature, and of feelings and emotions, have always spoken to me. SECOND APRIL consists of four of her poems, each with a distinctive mood, message, and emotional feel. They are vivid, powerful, and beautiful, inspiring me to capture these descriptions of the various scenes she portrays.  Song of a Second April uses music to underlie strong feelings, passions, and the tragedies of life. The poem itself is dramatic, detailing a time of personal strife and tragedy, perhaps the end of a relationship or even the end of a life. The music is intense, fast, in a minor key, and with rapid, spinning notes creating a feeling of powerful, relentless emotions. Melodies, motives, and gestures are tossed between the voices, increasing the feelings of intensity and even desperation. Little by little, the music almost dies away, getting quieter and quieter, creating a feeling of resignation, but with a Picardy Third in the final chord – maybe a bit of hope!  Mariposa is a celebration of nature, wandering through a field with white and blue butterflies appearing almost wondrously. But there’s also a profound feeling of poignancy, noting that as one relishes such a beautiful, magical sight, they should embrace the experience – the fleeting, transient nature of such a perfect vision and of life itself. The music portrays the flying of the butterflies: gentle, beautiful, with rich chords and arpeggios, but stepping back, as the fleeting nature of life is the reality, with gentle, but sombre chords interspersed with the magical flight of the Mariposa.Alms is a fast rondo, intense, bold, and always dance-like. It is about both tragedy and resilience. This music is also in minor, yet with moments of playfulness, as a recollection of happy times or moments takes over. This seesaw between emotions is heard throughout the movement, as the music continues to “dance.”  And with Millay’s summing up of “reality being what it is,” the piece ends with strength, boldness, and finality. Into the Golden Vessel of Great Song is an appassionato call to overcome! The poem exhorts us to “sing out” with hope, determination, and strength. The music is full of bright and lilting energy; but as the turmoil and times of strife people can sometimes feel or experience, the music becomes intense, dramatic, in a minor key, and with changing rhythms. BUT, there is a return to championing the idea of simply overcoming, going forward with hope and determination, and the music is in major, resonant and strong.  .