On the Nature of Peace

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Duration: 12'

Program Note:

On the Nature of Peace is a five-song cycle that explores the themes of life, death, faith, and nature. Unlike some of the classic cycles from the German romantics, there is no protagonist. The selected poems narrate a kind of spiritual awakening or reckoning, trying to reconcile the death and darkness of the world around us with the calm, perfect beauty of nature. I chose five poems from the collection Openings: 1968, which were selected for their cohesive theme and personal impact.

I. The Want of Peace

II. In the Name of Plenty

III. Grace

IV. The Meadow

V. The Peace of Wild Things