Living the Aftermath (soprano+pno, or alto+pno)

“Living the Aftermath” is a song cycle that takes the listener through the human cycle of emotions that follow tragedy: grief, loss, heartache, denial, acceptance, meditation, peace... In the following descriptions for each movement, certain complex aspects of this journey are highlighted through the words of three women poets of the twentieth century.

Movements:

1: “I Am Not Resigned to the Shutting Away of Loving Hearts in the Hard Ground”

Poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950).

In the aftermath of tragedy, our hearts shake with anger as we fiercely resist this cruel fate. We find ourselves refusing to accept the harsh reality of what has befallen us and our loved ones. In the end, while we may be forced to acknowledge the truth of the matter, for a time we may only acknowledge it with bitterness.

The emotions and reactions embodied herein are: reckless, bitter, somber, mournful, fierce, woeful, hesitant, angry, wistful, resentful, pain, and regret.

2: "Solace"

Poem by Clarissa Scott Delany (1901-1927)

By observing Nature and the gentle changing of the seasons, we gain perspective. We see the leaves grow dark and heavy, until they fall to the ground and paint the streets with gold. Even during times of great distress, Nature reminds us that even the lashing of the wind and rain in Spring will not fell a mighty tree. And with this knowledge, we are able to “take meaning from all turmoil” and find some peace—“a serenity that knows no pain.”

The emotions and reactions embodied herein are: meditative, vibrant, emphatic, intense, realization, understanding, sweetness, gentleness, peace, and trust.

3: “Recurrence”

Poem by Dorothy Parker (1893-1967)

The gentle lilt of meter that frameworks this charming poem seems to lend itself to the cyclic nature of life and human experiences. We continue to travel forward: “Round and round the little way, Up and down the little hill.” Dorothy Parker speaks of finding love again below “renovated skies”, of continuing to write our story over the paling ink of old lies. We never know for certain what lies ahead of us on this road, whether we shall love more or less, be a little better or a little worse. But we can be assured that “Where, unwilling, dies the rose, Buds the new, another year.”

The emotions and reactions embodied herein are: thoughtful, acceptance, resolute, grave, free, wistful, faith, cyclical