Song cycle for soprano, flute, cello, and organ, on texts from the Song of Solomon, 10 minutes. First performance: March 2004 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Concord, Massachusetts. Song of Solomon 2:14, 3:2, 6:10, 8:4-5.

Score

Download a pdf of the score below (for study purposes only):

1. •hossfeld_till_it_is_ready.pdf
   

View or purchase the full score on www.sibeliusmusic.com (free Scorch plugin required). For performance rights and materials, please contact the composer by e-mail at ch@christopherhossfeld.com.

Recording

Use the controls above to play a brief section of the piece, or download the full recording here:

1. •till_it_is_ready.mp3 (9:17)
   

Live recording at Trinity Episcopal Church, Concord, Massachusetts.

1. •Linda Hossfeld, soprano
   

2. •Ethel Farny, flute
   

3. •Evelyn Farny, cello
   

4. •Robert Barney, organ
   

Text

1. Flowing

2. Allegro maestoso

1. Who is this that looks forth like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army with banners?
   

3. Maestoso

4. Largo

1. O my dove, in the clefs of the rock, in the covert of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.
   

5. Maestoso

1. Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?
   

6. Tranquillo

1. Under the apple tree I awakened you. There your mother was in labor with you.
   

7. Maestoso

1. I will rise now and go about the city, in the streets and in the squares; I will seek him whom my soul loves.
   

8. Flowing (playing above)

1. I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, do not stir up or awaken love till it is ready!
   

Program Notes

These texts from the Song of Solomon speak of love as both beautiful and terrible. We look for love, and once it is found, it is as if we have known our beloved since birth. Perhaps we always knew what we were seeking. Yet love is both beautiful and terrible: do not stir up or awaken love till it is ready!

Copyright ©2010 Christopher Hossfeld, All Rights Reserved