This piece has been recognized by Project Encore and the American Prize.Text by Joseph Freiherr von EichendorffEichendorff was one of the leading poets of nineteenth-century German Romanticism. His poem Mondnacht (“Moon-night”) was especially beloved by his compatriot composers, with over two dozen settings including a particularly famous one by Schumann. Debussy is reflected in extended, quasi-impressionistic harmonies, such as the opening C-major-ninth chord with an A in the melody. The opening sonorities return for the final stanza, expanding and accelerating as the soul stretches its wings. The work concludes with gentle, again impressionistic, oscillations between C minor and C major.Es war, als hätt’ der HimmelDie Erde still geküßt,Daß sie im BlütenschimmerVon ihm nun träumen müßt.Die Luft ging durch die Felder,Die Ähren wogten sacht,Es rauschten leis die Wälder,So sternklar war die Nacht.Und meine Seele spannteWeit ihre Flügel aus,Flog durch die stillen Lande,Als flöge sie nach Haus.It was as if the heavenshad quietly kissed the earth,that she, in blossoms’ shimmer,now must dream of him.The breeze went by the field,the ears of corn waved softly,it rustled gently the woods,so starlit was the night.And my soul stretchedout wide its wings,flew through the quiet lands,as if flying itself home.— Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788–1857)Please contact Joy at joyfulporter@hotmail.com if you are planning a performance of this piece. Thank you!