Experience the Enchanting Beauty of Nature: Sure on This Shining Night
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Inspiration behind "Sure on This Shining Night"
- The Beauty of the Natural World in Santa Fe
- Morten Lauridsen: The Dean of American Choral Composers
- Jake Runestad: Capturing the Essence of Nature
- Paul Rudo: A Young Composer with a Cosmic Vision
- The Ecstatic Love in Hafiz's Words
- Aaron Copland's "In the Beginning": A Choral Masterpiece
- Conclusion
- Resources
Sure on This Shining Night: A Musical Tribute to the Beauty of the Natural World
🌟 Introduction
Welcome to the second program of our summer series, "Sure on This Shining Night." Inspired by Morten Lauridsen's enchanting piece, this program takes us on a journey of musical exploration into the beauty and wonder of the natural world. With Santa Fe as our backdrop—a place renowned for its physical allure and clear night skies—we have curated a concert experience that celebrates not only the splendor of nature but also our responsibility towards its stewardship.
✨ The Inspiration behind "Sure on This Shining Night"
The title of our program, "Sure on This Shining Night," derives from a poem by James Agee. This eloquent verse portrays the breathtaking experience of spending a night under the stars, contemplating the universe that surrounds us. In Santa Fe, where the connection to nature is profound, this concept resonates deeply with the community. We believe that music has the power to evoke awe and wonder, much like an outdoor experience does. By intertwining the beauty of nature with Lauridsen's mystical and melodic compositions, we offer our audience a profound and symbiotic encounter.
🌿 The Beauty of the Natural World in Santa Fe
Santa Fe, with its remarkable physical beauty, serves as an ideal setting for a program dedicated to the natural world. Our conscious community's close proximity to nature makes this concert a heartfelt experience for both performers and attendees. As we embark on this musical journey, you can expect to be transported to a realm where melodies harmonize with the breathtaking landscapes that surround us. The evocative power of music, reminiscent of the majesty of the great outdoors, invites us to appreciate and nurture the beauty that envelops us.
🎶 Morten Lauridsen: The Dean of American Choral Composers
At the heart of our program lies the music of Morten Lauridsen, often hailed as the Dean of American choral composers. Known for his contemplative, melodic, and achingly beautiful compositions, Lauridsen's works exude a sense of mysticism and reverence for the natural world. His piece, "Sure on This Shining Night," will serve as the centerpiece of our concert, perfectly capturing the ethereal essence of a summer's night. Enveloped by Lauridsen's enchanting melodies, the audience will be transported on a reflective and emotional journey.
🌳 Jake Runestad: Capturing the Essence of Nature
Another prominent composer featured in our program is Jake Runestad. Many of you may recall his exquisite compositions from our previous performances. Runestad's music captures the very essence of nature, infusing his compositions with a sense of breath, wonder, and majesty. In his piece titled "Come to the Woods," he beautifully sets the words of renowned naturalist and conservationist John Muir. Just as Muir's words awaken a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, Runestad's music paints a vivid sonic landscape that immerses us in the beauty of the woods.
🌌 Paul Rudo: A Young Composer with a Cosmic Vision
Excitement fills the air as we introduce the music of Paul Rudo, a talented young composer and singer in the Desert Chorale. Rudo's composition, inspired by the words of the great Persian mystic Hafiz, invites us to explore the vast expanse of the night sky. This ethereal musical journey aligns perfectly with the theme of "Sure on This Shining Night" and captures the ecstatic love shared not only between two individuals but also between humanity and the greater universe. Rudo's cosmic vision, expressed through his composition, adds an extra layer of transcendent beauty to our program.
💫 The Ecstatic Love in Hafiz's Words
Drawing from the rich tapestry of Hafiz's mystical poetry, Rudo's composition delves into the realm of ecstatic love. The union of two souls, deeply entwined and in harmony with the grandeur of the cosmos, is beautifully depicted through Rudo's poignant music. This exquisite exploration of love and its connection to the natural world will leave audiences spellbound, inviting them to ponder the profound interconnectedness of all existence.
🎵 Aaron Copland's "In the Beginning": A Choral Masterpiece
As our musical journey nears its end, we culminate with Aaron Copland's magnum opus, "In the Beginning." This monumental choral composition, often overlooked in favor of Copland's orchestral works, is a true tour de force. With a mezzo-soprano soloist and chorus singing a capella for twenty minutes, this piece showcases the exceptional vocal prowess of the Desert Chorale. Set to the familiar words from the book of Genesis, Copland's masterpiece depicts the creation of the natural world and climaxes with the advent of humankind. From lyrical moments to exhilarating crescendos, "In the Beginning" encapsulates the awe-inspiring grandeur of creation itself.
🌠 Conclusion
As we conclude our program, "Sure on This Shining Night," we invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the natural world. Through the enchanting compositions of Lauridsen, Runestad, Rudo, and Copland, we aim to evoke a sense of wonder, reverence, and stewardship for the environment that surrounds us. Join us on this melodic expedition as we celebrate the profound connection between music and nature, and the awe-inspiring harmony that unites us all.
🔗 Resources
