Music and Texts of GARY BACHLUND
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No Frigate - (2011)
Emily Dickinson
for medium voice and piano
There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears the human soul!
1 page, circa 1' 20"
Emily Dickinson
In the midst of working on new engravings of many older works which I will post as well as the continuation on a full-length opera, from time to time I read as refreshment, entertainment and enlightenment. Dickinson has told us the truth, for in our arts -- so much of it free to us today -- we may traverse many lands and times.
This simple, one page setting honors us all, who read, who listen, who are carried off by stories and ideas and turns of phrases, by melodies and colors and visions.
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 piano-vocal score.
