Music and Texts of GARY BACHLUND
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Letter to the World - (2020)
Emily Dickinson
for medium voice and piano
This is my letter to the World
That never wrote to Me --
The simple News that Nature told
With tender Majesty
Her Message is committed
To Hands I cannot see --
For love of her -- Sweet -- countrymen
Judge tenderly -- of Me1 page, circa 1' 20"
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
A letter to the world by an almost unknown in her day, this seems credo and plea, wedded as one. More others may say as analysis
The gentle arpeggio, harp-like, sounds simple tonic, subdominant and 'sus' chords as the simple, hymn-like text is sung. Rubato as wished for sound and sense is encouraged.
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this art song score.
A4 edition
