music

soprano
2 flutes
2 violins
 or
soprano
4 violins

duration 3'35"

first performance:
Natalie Hunt with violinists from Sharan Leventhal's studio
The Boston Conservatory /February 25, 2016

SCORE

PROGRAM NOTE
On a weekend visit to stay with old friends I was asked if I would set a poem written by Solvi Updyke, their six -year-old great-niece. The poem is, at first blush, a little sad, but Solvi assured me that it was actually happy. The poem is charming, as is Solvi, and has something enigmatic at its heart:

TEXT
I think of something that everybody knows is true
because when I awake the cars are going to and fro.

Oh why can’t I imagine what happens to me?
Even though sometimes I can hope that it doesn’t happen again.
But I know it will for I’ve seen something coming our way.
The air smells so good and I love you.
Oh, I love you . . .

I know you can protect yourself with what you need help with,
and I know sometime you will.
I think we know all about what’s coming cause I can sense it,
but I don’t know how or why.
I just know it because the time has come.

But you know how this is;
I just find it in my heart.
I just feel it.
Solvi Updyke