Catalogue

Program Note:

I have been waiting for the perfect moment to set this beautiful Thich Nhat Hanh poem. When Brian J. Winnie reached out about a commission for his wonderful group withonevoice and proposed the theme “Hold Fast”, I knew that I had to use this text. I am so moved by the way Hanh depicts loss, embraced by nature. Musically, I attempted to portray this feeling by leaving trails of resonance as the harmony circles around itself. I hope that this work serves as a small balm in the wake of personal loss.

Earth will keep you tight within her arms dear one—
So that tomorrow you will be transformed into flowers—
This flower smiling quietly in this morning field—
This morning you will weep no more dear one—
For we have gone through too deep a night.
This morning, yes, this morning, I kneel down on the green grass—
And I notice your presence.
Flowers, that speak to me in silence.

- Thich Nhat Hanh
(from “Message” in Call Me By My True Names, 1999, with permission of Parallax Press)

In Flowers was commissioned by withonevoice for the concert entitled “Hold Fast”.