Song Cycle Notes<\/p>\n
One of the leading poets of her time, H.D. (Hilda Doolittle) was a pioneer of imagism. Depicted with a concision of language, the vivid scenes of Sea Garden make it a shining example of this fresh and modern style. The cycle is a tale of resilience, a battle against the cruel and relentless forces of nature, in which the marginalized and seemingly delicate thrive under difficult conditions. Repeated scales symbolize the merciless wind that lashing against \u201cThe Wind Sleepers.\u201d The use of modality highlights the Greek influence of H.D.\u2019s poetry and gives the music a mystical quality. The harsh wind continues in \u201cHermes of the Ways,\u201d beginning with a dissonant gesture in the piano that softens at the mention of nature\u2019s beauty amongst the ever-blowing wind. A delicate opening piano motive evolves into fluttering triplets in \u201cSea Violet.\u201d As the sun reveals the sea violet\u2019s beauty, the music bursts with excitement. \u201cBut You Have Waited\u201d paints the continued struggle against the elements, and winding piano melodies illustrate the twisted boughs of the distressed trees on the shore. Stark harmonies depict the \u201cmeagre flower\u201d of the \u201cSea Rose,\u201d but moments of consonant sweetness capture its unique beauty. \u201cGarden\u201d alternates sections of intense triplets exemplifying the battering wind with languid chords depicting the oppressive heat. \u201cAcon\u201d closes the cycle with a gathering scene, as mortals and nymphs bring the dying Hyella offerings to comfort her in her last moments. As in \u201cThe Wind Sleepers,\u201d repeated sextuplets in the piano create a feeling of traveling, as those who face the unforgiving forces of nature journey on.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[dflip id=\"6171\"][\/dflip]\n
<\/p>\n