Y A D D O S O N G S

This collection of songs is an ongoing project. All the songs (so far) are Emily Dickinson settings. The collection is a tribute to Yaddo, a remarkable, necessary and historic artist retreat in Saratoga Springs, New York, that has nurtured some of the greatest artistic talent in the world! I have been blessed. Yaddo has been a vital part of my creative life, and at times, has literally kept me alive. It has been a great source of strength and inspiration. The strength comes in the form of validation and encouragement to take risks in my work. The inspiration reveals itself through the spirit of the grounds, and the spirits of the artists and guardians – past, present and future. I owe more than words can express to that sacred place and all the spirits I have encountered there. These songs not only represent a tribute to Yaddo, but also birthday tributes to beloved friends, all in some way connected to Yaddo.

SOME THINGS

for tenor & piano (2012) is dedicated to Pat Towers in loving celebration of her birthday. She is a most highly esteemed guardian and beloved friend with a warm and generous heart. She is the source of much joy and love.

Some things that fly there be,—
Birds, hours, the bumble-bee:
Of these no elegy.
Some things that stay there be,—
Grief, hills, eternity:
Nor this behooveth me.
There are, that resting, rise.
Can I expound the skies?
How still the riddle lies!

ENCHANTED GROUND

for mezzo-soprano & piano (2015) is dedicated to Dalit Warshaw in loving celebration of her birthday. I have the deepest respect and admiration for one of my dearest and beloved friends, Dalit . She is a composer of incomparable gifts with a generous heart, extraordinary sensitivity and a remarkable spirit.

Exhilaration is the Breeze
That lifts us from the ground,
And leaves us in another place
Whose statement is not found;
Returns us not, but after time
We soberly descend,
A little newer for the term
Upon enchanted ground.

INEBRIATE OF AIR

for tenor & piano (2012) is dedicated to Joseph Caldwell in loving celebration of his birthday. Joe is one of the greatest American writers, a beloved Yaddo guardian, and the source of boundless joy, generosity, inspiration and love. He is a guiding light and most beloved friend! Our collaboration has been one of the most cherished and creative highlights of my life! Joe has the most remarkable spirit. He radiates joy, love and generosity. His brilliant work, most cherished friendship and our weekly dinners (with some rejoicing) have been an incalculable force in my life.

I taste a liquor never brewed –
From Tankards scooped in Pearl –
Not all the vats upon the Rhine
Yield such an Alcohol!

Inebriate of air – am I –
And Debauchee of Dew –
Reeling – thro' endless summer days –
From inns of molten Blue –

When "Landlords" turn the drunken Bee
Out of the Foxglove's door –
When Butterflies – renounce their "drams" –
I shall but drink the more!

Till Seraphs swing their snowy Hats –
And Saints – to windows run –
To see the little Tippler
Leaning against the – Sun!

HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS

for tenor & piano (2012) is dedicated to Susan Brynteson in loving celebration of her birthday. Susan is a most beloved and cherished friend. She is also the most beloved and devoted Yaddo guardian. She is the personification of Yaddo, especially the Yaddo spirit of generosity and nurturing. "Libraries truly change lives," and she is the catalyst that sets it in motion through her love, dedication and generosity. It is truly an incalculable figure to imagine all the lives she has touched and transformed through the many causes she has devoted herself. She is the source of much joy, love, strength and inspiration.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

TO HEAR AN ORIOLE SING

for mezzo-soprano & piano (2015) is dedicated to Devika Rege in loving celebration of her birthday. Devika is a deeply gifted writer from India and a most beloved and cherished friend. It has been a great blessing to meet her and share countless conversations about music, art and literature at Yaddo. She has a brilliant mind and a kind and generous soul. Her joy and wonder are infectious. She has awakened me to a new joyful realm. She is the source of great joy and inspiration.

To hear an oriole sing
May be a common thing,
Or only a divine.

It is not of the bird
Who sings the same, unheard,
As unto crowd.

The fashion of the ear
Attireth that it hear
In dun or fair.

So whether it be rune,
Or whether it be none,
Is of within;

The “tune is in the tree,”
The sceptic showeth me;
“No, sir! In thee!”