Celticum - 1, by Daniel Solyom Jr.

Song Cycle written in honor of Dr. Michael B. Collins. Performed in memory of Carson Blakeney. On 3/30/2011 - UNT's Organ Recital Hall. Daniel SOlyom, composer; Christoph Hammer, fortepiano; Charles Veazey, oboe, Alexis Barnett, cello; Kathryn Summerset, mezzo & Alex Bumpas, tenor.
Text:
"Hollow footsteps, cloaked by night of sadness known through tortured sight;
The willow weeps for solitude as Owl moans a gloomy interlude.
- Reflection in the glossy lake - "If I should die before I wake..."
A tear shatters the silent face that seeks solace in this deserted place.
Wind whispers through the willow's leaves, and Owl, perched high, silently grieves.
The glow from city lights afar swallow whole a falling star. A wish upon the trembling lips for peace.
A raven gently sips the water near his honored guest,
But soon flies to his hidden nest, weary beneath the flowing cloak,
The traveler rests against an oak and fights the lure of heavenly sleep
-"I pray the Lord my soul to keep..."
Forever lost, each journey taken plagues the mind; the nights awaken
Troubled visions, thoughts of yesterdays, that seem like beacons - lives away.
Random comforts cannot ease this soul, for knowledge takes its weary toll upon one
who suffers with each breath, who slept once in peace, then awoke in death...
Deep peace of the running waves to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
How curious the light behaves reflecting off the dancing waves.
Oh how my very being craves a view from down below.
Suspended in my watery lair, I would not need to gasp for air,
For I am no longer human there beneath the icy flow. It's peaceful there.
But I have found I still can hear the distant sound of the souls who drowned and left loved ones to mourn.
The lonely wails transmit the pain of those who just could not remain,
So journeyed to the unknown plane of dead souls and unborn.
But in this world there still exist survivors who will always miss
The passion of their lovers' kiss that warmed them night and day.
Though here above the vast, cold sea, my heart is without tragedy,
For I have someone dear to me who has not passed away.
Oh never let that be untrue, for I could not bear thoughts of you
Trapped underneath the ocean blue deprived of your last breath.
No harm to you would I condone, for I would be left here on my own
To face this tragic world alone, a fate far worse than death"...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• celticum
• fortepiano
• song cycle
• christoph hammer
• music
• daniel solyom
• michael collins
• carson blakeneychamber music