Deep in the night

 

Deep in the night - (2009)     

Sara Teasdale

for mezzo soprano and piano

for Jessica Noujeim

Deep in the night the cry of a swallow,
    Under the stars he flew,
Keen as pain was his call to follow
    Over the world to you.

Love in my heart is a cry forever
    Lost as the swallow's flight,
Seeking for you and never, never
    Stilled by the stars at night.

[ 3 pages, circa 2' 40" ]

Sara Teasdale

 

The text by Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) is found in her anthology, Rivers to the Sea, published 1915. It was called to my attention by a young Canadian singer and budding composer who wrote inquiring about Teasdale's work, in and out of copyright. This text within the public domain in particular interested her for use in a choral work. I thought to set this gentle text as a solo song and a little gift for her; therefore the dedication as above.

 

 

The arpeggios should not be rushed, and time and rubati as necessary to make them 'leisurely" should be taken. Noted as mezzo piano and more quiet than this, the lyricism of the vocal part is intended to rest over gentle washes of widely-spaced chords.

 

 

 

 

The score for Deep in the night 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 piano-vocal score.

 

Deep in the night