To Breathe
Duration:4'
Instrumentation: Soprano, Pno
Premiere (in concert):Vulnerability
Persisting Sound Virtual Concert Portland, OR, USA November 21st, 2020 Year of Composition: 2020 |
To Breathe was written for Eugene Opera's 2020 Call for Scores: Songs for Quarantine. Out of over one hundred applicants, 5 works were chosen. In their own words:
"The Call for Scores for Songs for Quarantine asked classical composers to send us works written for singers that reflect on the crises that we have faced in 2020. Thematic topics included challenges of quarantine, social distancing and relationships, COVID-19 response, medical heroism, intergenerational concerns, racial issues, poverty, policing, and personal reflections. |
Centering
I am reminded of a different time, distant far removed from this crumbling earth. The breeze steals my breath, commanding my sense: quivering as my shaking fingers find solace in the pine needles that fall upon me. I grasp at straws, or ancient memories - centering, feeling my light steal from the dusk just to breathe. -Carolyn Quick (2020) |
"Riots"
It doesn’t seem to end: Any and all of it Can’t seem to break free from this God-forsaken Loop, free of the deafening Cries and explosions of it, Any and all of it The smoke doesn’t seem to clear. It doesn’t seem to end: Any and all of it Clusters provoking barricades provoking federal pangs and they are Lashed for insubordination - City inflamed and the sting of it, Any and all of it; The gas makes me cry too. -Carolyn Quick (2020) |