Essences

• written for Voice and Piano; 10’ 00”

• keys available for: soprano; alto (countertenor)

I. Eletelephony

II. Jellyfish

III. 2 AM

IV. Altitude

( 2017 )

The four poems are all available in the Public Domain:



• Eletelephony by Laura Elizabeth Richards

• A Jelly-Fish by Marianne Moore

• A London Thoroughfare, 2 A.M. by Amy Lowell

• Altitude by Lola Ridge

Program Note

Essences explores four different time periods in one person’s life, beginning with the earliest humors of childhood and moving through romance-driven adolescence, work-driven adulthood, and reflection upon a fulfilled love in late adulthood. This song cycle sets four different poems from four different women poets, utilizing different tonalities and stylistic approaches to paint different sections of life. Originally scored for an alto-register voice, Essences is also scored for a soprano voice.