H. Leslie Adams

Voice and Piano

Daybirth is a song group (rather than cycle) yet the consistency of lyrical style, point of view and attitude connect these texts in a unified manner. The songs can be performed individually or combined in various groups. The overriding poetic themes of love, peace and joy are matched by their respective musical settings.

Adams met Joette McDonald, a poet from Vermilion, Ohio in 1992, when they found themselves seat companions at a theatrical performance in Cleveland, Ohio. During their conversation, they found they shared something in common. Subsequently, McDonald sent Adams some of her poems, and the composer was struck by the lyricism, beauty, and deceptive simplicity of the poems. Adams decided to set some of these lovely poems to music and, with the poet's approval, began a collaboration that encompassed a quite extensive song group.

"On This Day" expresses pure joy from contrasting perspectives ("look forward, look back, hold fast, let go ... ").

"Love Union" (or "Christ at a Wedding") calls forth a Christ presence in the blessing of newly weds, as the two become one.

"In the Midnight of My Soul" calls for a guiding light and beacon of inspiration during times of challenge. "In the maze of weary days You are the compass and the chart."

"Cantus" again addresses life's contradictions that turn out to be blessings in disguise. "He will conquer us to bless us, bring us down to elevate." The singer finally succumbs to the "Lord of gentle persuasion" and resides in the comfort that all is in control.

"Anniversary Song" expresses the physical and emotional attraction of two loving, more mature beings as they recall their wonderful life together.

"Daybirth" is another expression of joy as the subject runs toward the sunrise. The subject comes to realize a close connection with the Infinite.

"Flying" expresses the highs and lows of life's experiences, and the beauty of these contrasting states.

"From a Hotel Room" was, according to the poet, written at just such a location, At one point the subject realizes "the window really isn't mine; I have it for a day ... just now I hold the ownership."

In "Love Request" the subject asks his/her love to "come walk with me" and "come sit with m me for a little while." The loving presence and the touch of one's love soothes the soul.

"Lullaby Eternal" sings of a parent's (or a creator's) moment of repose before releasing his/her "creation" to the world. "Soon tomorrow comes, child, times cries out to you": we must release our creation to go forth into the world, and this song expresses our feeling of satisfaction before such a farewell.

"Midas, Poor Midas" comes from a larger set of poems dealing with the mythical King who loved his wealth too much. The settings are half tongue in cheek, half serious, as Midas drowns in a sea of his coins and jewels.

"Song to Baby Jesus" and "Song of the Innkeeper's Children" have sacred subjects based on the birth of the Christ.

"Song of Thanks" is an expression of gratitude for the goodness of one's benefits.

"Wave and the Shore" like "Love Union" expresses the joy of two people becoming one in a loving commitment.

"Contentment" is yet another expression of pleasure of two lover's union ("Let's share the sunset, whatever the cost." "The package that's offered was tailored for us.")

In "Night People," the poet admits to "a world out there that happens after midnight" to which he/she may be unfamiliar, yet finds fascinating. It's a relatively unknown and unfamiliar world, and the song ends with the admission that it's a setting that may remain unknown.