AFTER THE DAZZLE OF DAY

Composer's Note:

"After the Dazzle of Day," completed in January 1996 was written for the Opus 90 ensemble. The song cycle comprises six songs with text by Walt Whitman. Each song uses aspects of nature, as well as the periods of the day, as analogies of the various stages of life. Song 1 is an invitation by the Muse to tell the story of life; song 2 explores the mysteries of birth; in song 3, the power of the spirit is compared to the sunrise; song 4 expresses the inquisitiveness and wonder of childhood; song 5 is an expression of mature love. The last song is a warm celebration of a long, fulfilled life. Melodies and harmonies introduced at the opening are transformed and developed throughout the cycle. The dramatic implications of these few musical elements change according to the mood of the text.