Glimpses of Grief and Glee
A Celebration of Life During the Covid Pandemic through Music, Poetry, and Prayer
Music for Piano, Violin, Cello, Voice, Percussion
Amy Aberg McLelland, Composer/Pianist
Ann Elinor Walker, Poet
Live Virtual Performance
(And, hopefully, an in person concert in the future!)
Date TBA once remaining funds are raised.
Many thanks to all of our contributors so far! We still have some more to go to reach our financial goal to present this concert and bring the music to life. If you'd like to donate and be a part of this project here is a link to our GoFundMe Campaign. Thank you!
(And, hopefully, an in person concert in the future!)
Date TBA once remaining funds are raised.
Many thanks to all of our contributors so far! We still have some more to go to reach our financial goal to present this concert and bring the music to life. If you'd like to donate and be a part of this project here is a link to our GoFundMe Campaign. Thank you!
What is this about you ask? Well, this video will explain everything!
The music below (except some piano solos) is a computer version of the compositions. The concert will feature actual musicians, members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, professional musicians and real instruments :) so it will sound MUCH better than the computer versions! But at least it gives you a taste of what's to come.
Program
A Prayer for these Challenging Times (Piano Trio, Soprano, Alto, Tenor)
Postcards (Piano Trio)
Novaturient
Saudade
Resfeber
Yoko Meshi
Fernweh
Trouvaille
Livsnjutare
Solivagante
Numinous
Quaquaversal
Hope is the Thing with Feathers
Forever is Composed of Nows
The Sound of Trees
Mowing
Blue Boy
Triple Clef
Vibrations
2'53" (Piano and Voice)
200 Central Park West
Day 13
The Little Black Dog
Lots of people have a rug. Not many have a pug.
Again, I Say Rejoice!
Postcards (Piano Trio)
Novaturient
Saudade
Resfeber
Yoko Meshi
Fernweh
Trouvaille
Livsnjutare
Solivagante
Numinous
Quaquaversal
Hope is the Thing with Feathers
Forever is Composed of Nows
The Sound of Trees
Mowing
Blue Boy
Triple Clef
Vibrations
2'53" (Piano and Voice)
200 Central Park West
Day 13
The Little Black Dog
Lots of people have a rug. Not many have a pug.
Again, I Say Rejoice!
A Prayer for these Challenging Times
Original Composition by Amy Aberg McLelland for Piano Trio, Soprano, Alto, Tenor
inspired by the prayers by Rev. Stuart Dunnan and The Rt. Rev. John Taylor, Bishop of Los Angeles
Sustaining God, loving Father, we ask for your presence and guidance as we respond to the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the world, our countries, our communities, and our school.
We ask your blessing upon all in authority over us, that they may make wise decisions and act decisively to protect us and maintain the good order of the societies and economies in which we live and work.
We ask your blessing upon our armed forces, police and first responders, and especially upon all who are called professionally and vocationally to give of themselves so bravely and selflessly to heal and care for us should we fall ill: our doctors and nurses, and all who support them.
We pray especially for those who are more vulnerable: the elderly and the infirm, the poor and the homeless, and for all who live alone. We pray for all who are now seriously ill and for the souls of those who have died. May they rest in peace with you.
During this time of physical isolation and continuing distance, help us to keep our relationships and our community strong; bless the love which binds us together and make it stronger. Bless our parish, families, friends, and all who support us; guide our teachers and our students in their new adventure of “distance learning”; keep everyone safe at home; and give us your gifts of faith – of perspective, gratitude, and courage – so that we may face our own challenges gracefully, and respond generously to the challenges of others.
Save us from pride and selfishness, and from the panic and fear which act against your love for us. And help us to use this time of uncertainty to grow closer to you, to acknowledge our need for you and our need for each other, so that we may live with the unanswered questions which confront us with the hope and confidence that come from believing in you – as your Spirit inspires us, and as your Son has shown us, even on his Cross, which redeems and saves us all. So, may he walk with us on our new path in this dark forest, and may we see with him your light shining before us, your angels as they guard and care for us, may we all pray: God of all creation, whose people prepared a tabernacle for you and carried it with them through the wilderness so they would never be alone:
f we must venture into a landscape transformed by crisis, may we be living vessels of your mercy, grace, and love. Remind us to carry our treasure gingerly, with a respectful four cubits between ourselves and all the other tabernacles.
Make of us receptacles of friendliness, patience, and forgiveness in parking lots and the marketplace.
May we be balm for the sick, and isolated and promote what is best for all your people.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
We ask your blessing upon all in authority over us, that they may make wise decisions and act decisively to protect us and maintain the good order of the societies and economies in which we live and work.
We ask your blessing upon our armed forces, police and first responders, and especially upon all who are called professionally and vocationally to give of themselves so bravely and selflessly to heal and care for us should we fall ill: our doctors and nurses, and all who support them.
We pray especially for those who are more vulnerable: the elderly and the infirm, the poor and the homeless, and for all who live alone. We pray for all who are now seriously ill and for the souls of those who have died. May they rest in peace with you.
During this time of physical isolation and continuing distance, help us to keep our relationships and our community strong; bless the love which binds us together and make it stronger. Bless our parish, families, friends, and all who support us; guide our teachers and our students in their new adventure of “distance learning”; keep everyone safe at home; and give us your gifts of faith – of perspective, gratitude, and courage – so that we may face our own challenges gracefully, and respond generously to the challenges of others.
Save us from pride and selfishness, and from the panic and fear which act against your love for us. And help us to use this time of uncertainty to grow closer to you, to acknowledge our need for you and our need for each other, so that we may live with the unanswered questions which confront us with the hope and confidence that come from believing in you – as your Spirit inspires us, and as your Son has shown us, even on his Cross, which redeems and saves us all. So, may he walk with us on our new path in this dark forest, and may we see with him your light shining before us, your angels as they guard and care for us, may we all pray: God of all creation, whose people prepared a tabernacle for you and carried it with them through the wilderness so they would never be alone:
f we must venture into a landscape transformed by crisis, may we be living vessels of your mercy, grace, and love. Remind us to carry our treasure gingerly, with a respectful four cubits between ourselves and all the other tabernacles.
Make of us receptacles of friendliness, patience, and forgiveness in parking lots and the marketplace.
May we be balm for the sick, and isolated and promote what is best for all your people.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Postcards
Original Composition by Amy Aberg McLelland for Piano Trio
My husband and I were set to go to Paris with his choir in March, 2020, just before the reality of the pandemic really hit. We canceled before we were required to cancel … mainly because we didn't want to risk being stuck oversees. But it was inevitable. Shortly after we cancelled, the president cancelled all oversees travel. My husband was set to play the organ at Notre Dame during that trip, then the fire put an end to that. I would say this trip was doomed from the start! At any rate, when I recently saw that the Eiffel tower has opened again, even if just for those folks willing to trek up the stairs, was such a delight to see. I pray that other cities around the world can begin to see life again gradually as we all learn how to manage and survive with this dreadful virus.
I know that during these last months of social distancing, quarantine, and working from home, it has been challenging for me not to feel trapped within the confines of the same four walls day after day. As the Covid 19 continues to spread, the simple truth is that most of us will continue to spend a lot of time stuck in our homes for months to come. If you're like me, you've found yourself dreaming of trips you have taken, and places you might still long to visit one day. Each of these short musical 'postcards' are based upon a word related to travel .... from wanderlust to adventure, perhaps we can all find some solace during this time through our memories and dreams.
I know that during these last months of social distancing, quarantine, and working from home, it has been challenging for me not to feel trapped within the confines of the same four walls day after day. As the Covid 19 continues to spread, the simple truth is that most of us will continue to spend a lot of time stuck in our homes for months to come. If you're like me, you've found yourself dreaming of trips you have taken, and places you might still long to visit one day. Each of these short musical 'postcards' are based upon a word related to travel .... from wanderlust to adventure, perhaps we can all find some solace during this time through our memories and dreams.
24 Hours
Original Composition by Amy Aberg McLelland for Piano Solo
Reflections on covid 19 pandemic. 4 movements: I. Darkness II. Day III. Noonday IV. Night
This is a short work for piano solo in 4 mvts based upon Psalm 91 reflecting the 24-hour protection that God gives us as well as the speed at which everything is changing every 24 hours. Yet “there is no threat, whether seen or unseen, anticipated or unexpected, which can catch God unaware and unable to protect us.”
The Hebrew day had four equal parts, and this verse reveals that each one is under God’s protection. (Psalm 91:5-6) “Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flieth by day, nor of the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor of the destruction that layeth waste at noonday.” (NIV) “You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
I. Movement - Darkness (Midnight – 6AM)
This movement describes the “noisome pestilence that walketh in darkness.” Pestilence can be any virulent or fatal contagious disease, or anything that endangers morals and welfare of society. Some interpretations use the word “plague” which, of course, is anything that afflicts or causes troubles or calamity, which could be a contagious or deadly pandemic virus like Covid 19, locusts, or perhaps poverty, or crippling fear and worry.
II. Movement - Day (6AM – Noon)
The focus for this movement is on Psalm 91:4, inspired by the image of God’s protection as portrayed by a mother bird, who safely tucks her young under her wings where they are secure. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge...”
III. “Noonday” (Noon – 6PM)
“the destruction that layeth waste at noonday” (Psalm 91:6)
Dangers can be obvious (a Tsunami, or a fierce tiger) or subtle and seemingly hidden, like a net trap camouflaged under the leaves or a deadly virus like the coronavirus. I imagine this is what Covid would sound like as it stealthily spreads throughout the world.
This movement opens with a macabre version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" which has perhaps been the theme song for many of us as we wash our hands throughout the day. Why a macabre take? Because I think our downfall has been and will be our lack of discipline and stamina to stay the course. It is also a venting of the frustration we all endure when leaders do not provide us with clear and consistent directives, when our fellow citizens do not care enough about others to simply wear a mask and maintain social distancing. It is a venting of our love-hate relationship with the discipline and self-control required of all of us to help combat Covid 19. From social distancing, to hand-washing, self and mandated quarantine, to controlling our fears and doubts, remaining faithful and calm despite wading through these deep waters of the unknown.
Obeying God and remaining faithful is not only an abstract faith … a faith with pastel feathers and the delicate scent of vanilla … but also a concrete discipline and diligence. At the risk of sounding like Kant, I believe God will protect us and supply us with the wisdom and strength, guidance, science, and tools during this challenging time ...... however, it is up to us to use these gifts wisely, consistently, and knowledgeably.
We all have to do our part. We all share this planet. We are all accountable to one another. We are all accountable for God’s creation.
The movement then dissolves into silence as we reflect upon the results of actions, or lack of actions, and pay respect to many victims of Covid, remembering the words of Filippo Anelli, "The dead do not make a noise. Yet, the names of our dead friends, our colleagues, put here in black and white, make a deafening noise."
IV. Movement - “Night” (6PM – Midnight)
This movement opens with the 'terror of the night" but turns to verses 1-2 of Psalm 91 at the end "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” And verses 9-11: “Because thou hast made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High thy habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Or the Good News version, no offense to King James, “You have made the Lord your defender, the Most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.”
God provides constant protection, twenty-four hours a day (Isa. 43:2).
This is a short work for piano solo in 4 mvts based upon Psalm 91 reflecting the 24-hour protection that God gives us as well as the speed at which everything is changing every 24 hours. Yet “there is no threat, whether seen or unseen, anticipated or unexpected, which can catch God unaware and unable to protect us.”
The Hebrew day had four equal parts, and this verse reveals that each one is under God’s protection. (Psalm 91:5-6) “Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flieth by day, nor of the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor of the destruction that layeth waste at noonday.” (NIV) “You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
I. Movement - Darkness (Midnight – 6AM)
This movement describes the “noisome pestilence that walketh in darkness.” Pestilence can be any virulent or fatal contagious disease, or anything that endangers morals and welfare of society. Some interpretations use the word “plague” which, of course, is anything that afflicts or causes troubles or calamity, which could be a contagious or deadly pandemic virus like Covid 19, locusts, or perhaps poverty, or crippling fear and worry.
II. Movement - Day (6AM – Noon)
The focus for this movement is on Psalm 91:4, inspired by the image of God’s protection as portrayed by a mother bird, who safely tucks her young under her wings where they are secure. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge...”
III. “Noonday” (Noon – 6PM)
“the destruction that layeth waste at noonday” (Psalm 91:6)
Dangers can be obvious (a Tsunami, or a fierce tiger) or subtle and seemingly hidden, like a net trap camouflaged under the leaves or a deadly virus like the coronavirus. I imagine this is what Covid would sound like as it stealthily spreads throughout the world.
This movement opens with a macabre version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" which has perhaps been the theme song for many of us as we wash our hands throughout the day. Why a macabre take? Because I think our downfall has been and will be our lack of discipline and stamina to stay the course. It is also a venting of the frustration we all endure when leaders do not provide us with clear and consistent directives, when our fellow citizens do not care enough about others to simply wear a mask and maintain social distancing. It is a venting of our love-hate relationship with the discipline and self-control required of all of us to help combat Covid 19. From social distancing, to hand-washing, self and mandated quarantine, to controlling our fears and doubts, remaining faithful and calm despite wading through these deep waters of the unknown.
Obeying God and remaining faithful is not only an abstract faith … a faith with pastel feathers and the delicate scent of vanilla … but also a concrete discipline and diligence. At the risk of sounding like Kant, I believe God will protect us and supply us with the wisdom and strength, guidance, science, and tools during this challenging time ...... however, it is up to us to use these gifts wisely, consistently, and knowledgeably.
We all have to do our part. We all share this planet. We are all accountable to one another. We are all accountable for God’s creation.
The movement then dissolves into silence as we reflect upon the results of actions, or lack of actions, and pay respect to many victims of Covid, remembering the words of Filippo Anelli, "The dead do not make a noise. Yet, the names of our dead friends, our colleagues, put here in black and white, make a deafening noise."
IV. Movement - “Night” (6PM – Midnight)
This movement opens with the 'terror of the night" but turns to verses 1-2 of Psalm 91 at the end "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” And verses 9-11: “Because thou hast made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High thy habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Or the Good News version, no offense to King James, “You have made the Lord your defender, the Most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.”
God provides constant protection, twenty-four hours a day (Isa. 43:2).
Hope is the Thing with Feathers
Original Composition for Piano Trio by Amy Aberg McLelland
Inspired by the poem by Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers - (314)
“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.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers - (314)
“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.
Notes: While despair is not specifically addressed in this poem, I felt that a juxtaposition of Hope with Despair provided a clearer description of each emotion. Thus a resulting ternary form emerges, and the despondent A section provides grounding and purpose for the B section's light flight. For me, it can sometimes be frightening to allow hope, happiness, and trust to rule after a bout with depression or a tragic event. So, with the transition from the A section to the B section, there is a hesitancy to enter flight ... almost like a baby bird testing its wings for the first time....as the bird motive (depicting feathers and the flapping of a tiny bird's wings as it darts about) hatches and emerges.
Forever is Composed of Nows
Original Composition for Piano Trio by Amy Aberg McLelland
Inspired by the poem by Emily Dickinson
Forever – is composed of Nows – (690)
Forever – is composed of Nows –
‘Tis not a different time –
Except for Infiniteness –
And Latitude of Home –
From this – experienced Here –
Remove the Dates – to These –
Let Months dissolve in further Months –
And Years – exhale in Years –
Without Debate – or Pause –
Or Celebrated Days –
No different Our Years would be
From Anno Dominies –
Forever – is composed of Nows –
‘Tis not a different time –
Except for Infiniteness –
And Latitude of Home –
From this – experienced Here –
Remove the Dates – to These –
Let Months dissolve in further Months –
And Years – exhale in Years –
Without Debate – or Pause –
Or Celebrated Days –
No different Our Years would be
From Anno Dominies –
Notes: This is one of my all-time favorite poems. In fact, the registered show name for one of our pugs is "Pickwick's Forever is Now", because we didn't know if she would survive, or live a long life, after she battled aspiration pneumonia as a young puppy.. Live in the moment. Savor every moment. Can there be anything greater? I tried to capture an infiniteness and timelessness in the opening motive, with the grouping of 7 notes, and the rhythmic contrasts between strings and piano. Unlike the other poetry inspired pieces, this one actually follows along with the poem itself. In fact, the different lines of the poem are written into the score itself.
You can hear this subtle text-painting throughout, like with the trumpet fanfare for "Celebrated days". The overall goal throughout was to capture joy and spontaneity, (but always in an esoteric and slightly dreamlike state lest there be too much planning or worrying involved, distracting from the blissful essence of living in the moment..) Living in the moment requires simpleness. It can't be cluttered up. So the key of C Major was purposefully chosen (even though, ironically, it's actually one of the harder keys for a pianist to execute because it involves so much choreography of movement with the forearm adjustments into and out of the black key area. Yes, C Major is not the simplest scale to play .... at least to play correctly with healthy, tension-free motions.) For the final line, "From Anno Dominies", you will hear a nod to the childhood taunting tune "na na na", almost as if taunting and daring time.
The Sound of Trees
An Original Composition for Piano Trio by Amy Aberg McLelland
I wonder about the trees.
Why do we wish to bear
Forever the noise of these
More than another noise
So close to our dwelling place?
We suffer them by the day
Till we lose all measure of pace,
And fixity in our joys,
And acquire a listening air.
They are that that talks of going
But never gets away;
And that talks no less for knowing,
As it grows wiser and older,
That now it means to stay.
My feet tug at the floor
And my head sways to my shoulder
Sometimes when I watch trees sway,
From the window or the door.
I shall set forth for somewhere,
I shall make the reckless choice
Some day when they are in voice
And tossing so as to scare
The white clouds over them on.
I shall have less to say,
But I shall be gone.
Why do we wish to bear
Forever the noise of these
More than another noise
So close to our dwelling place?
We suffer them by the day
Till we lose all measure of pace,
And fixity in our joys,
And acquire a listening air.
They are that that talks of going
But never gets away;
And that talks no less for knowing,
As it grows wiser and older,
That now it means to stay.
My feet tug at the floor
And my head sways to my shoulder
Sometimes when I watch trees sway,
From the window or the door.
I shall set forth for somewhere,
I shall make the reckless choice
Some day when they are in voice
And tossing so as to scare
The white clouds over them on.
I shall have less to say,
But I shall be gone.
Notes: I have always loved the woods and forests. In college, one of my favorite posters (yes, posters plastered on dorm room walls were almost obligatory in th 1980s) was a gorgeous photo of a forest with John Muir's quote "Come to the Woods, for here is rest." During the toughest times of life, hiking -- solitary hiking preferably -- has kept me sane and grounded. But, after I saw a Ted Talk about how trees talk, I've had a newfound respect when I traipse across the roots of my friends during hikes. Suzanne Simard's Ted Talk about the root networks, mycorrhizae, fungi etc. was mind opening to me, so I need to share it here .... (there is another video with her actual Ted Talk, but this video is more concise) ...
I include this video and Simard's study because I included a nod in the piece at measure 25 to these "interlinking mycorrhizae fungal highways". Describing this "internet" of communication and web of pathways, it sounds a bit like a computer talking at this point. Or, what I imagine this intricate underground web would sound like with so much data being passed from tree to tree. Old trees telling young trees where to find carbon, old trees warning of threats, and on and on.
Isn't it fascinating? Will you ever walk through the forest again with the same cavalier disrespect?
When I was in the middle of composing this piece, I wanted to see and "hear" the trees Robert Frost might have seen and heard, so I took a trip to Vermont and New Hampshire. Yes, all the way from Alabama. Expecting to find some major revelation and inspiration in the soulful Birch trees, green Vermont trees, and gorgeous New England countryside, I was surprised that the real revelation from the trip was a scythe hanging on the wall of one of the farm homes Frost had lived in, which was now a museum. A scythe? Man, I was a little disappointed. But what really struck home throughout that adventure and exploration was how down to earth Frost was. He mowed the lawn (with that scythe!), he picked apples, he led a simple life. It reminded me so much of my grandmother, who was raised during the great depression. I drove from Alabama to New England with a head full of lofty ideas and fanciful notions, and drove home with a head and heart full of convictions to live a simple, disciplined, and 'ordinary' life, and to find joy and satisfaction in the chores and mundane parts of life. And, obviously, the inspiration for the 2nd piece, below, "Mowing".
As to Frost's poem, I chose to focus on the trees talking about their grandiose schemes and all the adventures they would have once they left. The jazz elements depict their wild parties and carousing they'll enjoy one day, once they move to where the grass is greener. In the middle section, the arpeggios in the piano part depict the trees blowing and bending in the wind, savoring life, as the strings soar above them. But, alas, the fact that they're indeed "stuck" is reflected in the ostinato and lack of modulation. However, they do manage to move ever so slightly ..... just one step away .... with their babbling. So, perhaps it's good to dream after all. The only way change can be made.
The woods are my heaven on earth .... especially woods in the mountains with a bubbling stream. Lest I deprive you of this magical sound of trees in the wind, I'll include Frost's poem, which inspired this composition, within the video below. A few of the shots of the trees are from my hammock below our glorious magnolia tree in our front yard.
When I was in the middle of composing this piece, I wanted to see and "hear" the trees Robert Frost might have seen and heard, so I took a trip to Vermont and New Hampshire. Yes, all the way from Alabama. Expecting to find some major revelation and inspiration in the soulful Birch trees, green Vermont trees, and gorgeous New England countryside, I was surprised that the real revelation from the trip was a scythe hanging on the wall of one of the farm homes Frost had lived in, which was now a museum. A scythe? Man, I was a little disappointed. But what really struck home throughout that adventure and exploration was how down to earth Frost was. He mowed the lawn (with that scythe!), he picked apples, he led a simple life. It reminded me so much of my grandmother, who was raised during the great depression. I drove from Alabama to New England with a head full of lofty ideas and fanciful notions, and drove home with a head and heart full of convictions to live a simple, disciplined, and 'ordinary' life, and to find joy and satisfaction in the chores and mundane parts of life. And, obviously, the inspiration for the 2nd piece, below, "Mowing".
As to Frost's poem, I chose to focus on the trees talking about their grandiose schemes and all the adventures they would have once they left. The jazz elements depict their wild parties and carousing they'll enjoy one day, once they move to where the grass is greener. In the middle section, the arpeggios in the piano part depict the trees blowing and bending in the wind, savoring life, as the strings soar above them. But, alas, the fact that they're indeed "stuck" is reflected in the ostinato and lack of modulation. However, they do manage to move ever so slightly ..... just one step away .... with their babbling. So, perhaps it's good to dream after all. The only way change can be made.
The woods are my heaven on earth .... especially woods in the mountains with a bubbling stream. Lest I deprive you of this magical sound of trees in the wind, I'll include Frost's poem, which inspired this composition, within the video below. A few of the shots of the trees are from my hammock below our glorious magnolia tree in our front yard.
Mowing
An Original Composition for Piano Trio and Vocal Percussion by Amy Aberg McLelland
Inspired by the poem by Robert Frost
Mowing
There was never a sound beside the wood but one,
And that was my long scythe whispering to the ground.
What was it it whispered? I knew not well myself;
Perhaps it was something about the heat of the sun,
Something, perhaps, about the lack of sound--
And that was why it whispered and did not speak.
It was no dream of the gift of idle hours,
Or easy gold at the hand of fay or elf:
Anything more than the truth would have seemed too weak
To the earnest love that laid the swale in rows,
Not without feeble-pointed spikes of flowers
(Pale orchises), and scared a bright green snake.
The fact is the sweetest dream that labor knows.
My long scythe whispered and left the hay to make.
Mowing
There was never a sound beside the wood but one,
And that was my long scythe whispering to the ground.
What was it it whispered? I knew not well myself;
Perhaps it was something about the heat of the sun,
Something, perhaps, about the lack of sound--
And that was why it whispered and did not speak.
It was no dream of the gift of idle hours,
Or easy gold at the hand of fay or elf:
Anything more than the truth would have seemed too weak
To the earnest love that laid the swale in rows,
Not without feeble-pointed spikes of flowers
(Pale orchises), and scared a bright green snake.
The fact is the sweetest dream that labor knows.
My long scythe whispered and left the hay to make.
Notes: As I mentioned earlier, my trip to New England to "hear" the sound of the trees Frost would have heard didn't yield anything lofty or profound. Instead, my inspiration I was seeking was a blasted, rusty scythe hanging on the wall of a home Frost had lived in which was turned into a museum. This is the home where he had an apple orchard, (another one of his famous poems), and also where Birches was written. In fact, I saw some of those amazing birch trees in the woods near his home. But as I imagined Frost using that scythe (or a similar one at least) mowing his grass, and imagined Frost sitting in his very simple home, sparsely appointed, living a simple life, I was reminded of my grandmother and her words of "bloom where you are planted", and "sew a button on it", and on and on. Somehow, her depression-era character always brought me back to reality when I started floating off with grandiose plans and ideas. The great revelation from the trip was to learn to enjoy and savor the day-to-day chores and to make the mundane magical. The magic is beneath your fingertips ... there's no need to search the world.
In the music, I tried to capture this "labor" and the discipline of plowing the field. I tried to capture a "New England" and Americana sound. And I tried to make music out of the sound of the scythe .... with the vocal percussion imitating the "shfsh" swoosh. I tried to maintain a lot of the motives throughout .... lest those lofty ideas send me soaring off again .... so we don't modulate a lot and stay near home. Where good things happen. And where we find inspiration.
In the music, I tried to capture this "labor" and the discipline of plowing the field. I tried to capture a "New England" and Americana sound. And I tried to make music out of the sound of the scythe .... with the vocal percussion imitating the "shfsh" swoosh. I tried to maintain a lot of the motives throughout .... lest those lofty ideas send me soaring off again .... so we don't modulate a lot and stay near home. Where good things happen. And where we find inspiration.
Blue Boy
Original Composition for Piano and Voices by Amy Aberg McLelland
Notes: While I have had many loved ones die in my life, I have been sheltered from actually seeing the life go out, or being with someone when they die. But with the last litter of 7 pug puppies, there was a tiny puppy (with the blue identification marker) who was so small that he was actually missed on the xray we took before the puppies were born. He was a surprise! A bonus. Sadly, though, he was just not ready for this world and only lived about 18 hours. So, this was the first "dead" being I had ever held in my hands. Yes, it was sad but also, in an odd way, there was a new emotion I can't quite define. Perhaps an ability to live life a bit more courageously? A lessening of the fear of death and the unknown? After Blue Boy's death, I knew I needed to compose a piece to neatly capture and safely stow away this new experience. Putting troubling emotions into music always helps me move forward. I wanted it to sound like heaven, so the opening voices only use vowels. No consonants or actual words to dirty up the sound or the beautiful heaven. To me, it was almost as if Blue Boy always had one foot in heaven, even during his few hours on earth. God didn't want to part with him, and kept him for Himself. To me, at least. Later, I shared this experience, along with video footage of the puppy struggling to live, with my friend and poet, Ann Elinor Walker. She expanded the subject to grief in general and the beautiful poem, "Triple Clef" emerged..
Triple Clef
An original poem by Elinor Ann Walker
Commissioned for this chamber concert and project
Inspired by the composition, Blue Boy
Triple Clef
You’ve held life in one hand and death in the other.
When something is born small that’s all you can do.
Try to find the notes like steps on a steep path.
Try to stay level while the world falls away.
Balance as if you’re on a clavicle.
You yourself are the ridge, the cliff,
the bumps on your spine, the vertebrae.
The life you hold may be your own
kind of like what Flannery said,
the life you save
We are steeped in southern gothic like tea,
so we already know nothing lasts but grief.
We are the staff to which the notes cling.
We are the bones out of stubbornness.
We stave off what we can.
What I’m trying to say is
we cleave anyway.
We trust the pitch
of the world.
You’ve held life in one hand and death in the other.
When something is born small that’s all you can do.
Try to find the notes like steps on a steep path.
Try to stay level while the world falls away.
Balance as if you’re on a clavicle.
You yourself are the ridge, the cliff,
the bumps on your spine, the vertebrae.
The life you hold may be your own
kind of like what Flannery said,
the life you save
We are steeped in southern gothic like tea,
so we already know nothing lasts but grief.
We are the staff to which the notes cling.
We are the bones out of stubbornness.
We stave off what we can.
What I’m trying to say is
we cleave anyway.
We trust the pitch
of the world.
Vibrations
An Original Composition by Amy Aberg McLelland
Inspired by the poem Triple Clef by Elinor Ann Walker
coming soon . . . .
coming soon . . . .
200 Central Park West
An Original Composition for Piano Trio by Amy Aberg McLelland
This piece is about my favorite dog park in New York City, I spent many hours there over the years just watching the dogs and people interplay. FYI, dog parks are a great and inexpensive place to kill time and also feel safe (if you're a human at least). One trip, I followed a pair of bulldogs (discreetly) and their owner throughout Central Park. Another trip, I remember observing a Dachsund take control over the entire dog park ... humans and dogs alike ... and I'll never forget when all eyes turned (human and canine alike) when a forget a gorgeous, Champion show quality Afghan Hound entered the dog park.
Lots of people have a rug. Not many have a pug.
EB White
Original Composition for Piano Trio and Percussion by Amy Aberg McLelland
Segueing from the last piece, I also won't ever forget a pug at the dog park in NYC. The pug proceeded to jump into every human's lap, whether said human was its owner or even whether said human desired such attention. Obviously, the pug never met a stranger!
Day 13
An Original Composition for Piano Trio by Amy Aberg McLelland
As a pug breeder, one of my most favorite times is Day 13 .... often the date of a puppy's life when his or her eyes open. It is the most magical experience (for the humans observing it at least) and so fleeting that it is often easy to miss, hence the short length of the composition.
The Little Black Dog
An Original Composition for Piano Trio by Amy Aberg McLelland
Inspired by the poem by Elizabeth Gardner Reynolds
I wonder if Christ had a little black dog,
All curly and wooly like mine,
With two silk ears and a nose round and wet,
And two eyes brown and tender that shine;
I’m sure if He had, that little black dog
Knew right from the first He was God,
That he needed no proofs that Christ was divine,
But just worshiped the ground He trod.
I’m afraid that He hadn’t, because I have read
How He prayed in the Garden alone,
When all of His friends and disciples had fled,
Even Peter, that one called a stone.
And Oh, I am sure that little black dog
With a true heart so tender and warm
Would never have left Him to suffer alone,
But creeping right under His arm,
Would have licked those dear fingers in agony clasped,
And counting all favors but loss,
When they led Him away, would have trotted behind
And followed Him quite to the cross.
I wonder if Christ had a little black dog,
All curly and wooly like mine,
With two silk ears and a nose round and wet,
And two eyes brown and tender that shine;
I’m sure if He had, that little black dog
Knew right from the first He was God,
That he needed no proofs that Christ was divine,
But just worshiped the ground He trod.
I’m afraid that He hadn’t, because I have read
How He prayed in the Garden alone,
When all of His friends and disciples had fled,
Even Peter, that one called a stone.
And Oh, I am sure that little black dog
With a true heart so tender and warm
Would never have left Him to suffer alone,
But creeping right under His arm,
Would have licked those dear fingers in agony clasped,
And counting all favors but loss,
When they led Him away, would have trotted behind
And followed Him quite to the cross.
A Prayer for These Challenging Times (original piano solo version):