Winter Sun

Conductor Notes:

SSSAAA a cappella. A sturdy, clean sing, rhythmic and precise in its opening phrase, which serves as the piece’s refrain and anchor. In contrast, lighter rising lines pile on top of one another, rising to the bright “To light, to water” refrain. Ranges are moderate and the harmonic language is distinctive and satisfying. I programmed this to punctuate a Christmas concert with something more bright, up tempo, and vivid.

To light,
     to water,
and the flow of birds
through ancient stars.
To the wild sun of winter
     startling the dark green
trees: giants
of majestic silence.
To snow on roofs
and the peace of Sunday.
To quiet and certitude,
     to breathing, to air.
To acceptance, to dreams.
To disclosures of the sleeping heart,
     for air, for light.

poem by Malca Litovitz