FRANK STEMPER, COMPOSER
Evening, Milking (2005, revised 2009)
for voice , 'cello, and piano
poetry by Herbert Scott [7 min.]
The final song from the song cycle A LOVE IMAGINED (7 mins.)
Opus 83 — A.S.C.A.P. work I.D. 934751587
SCORE
Opus 83 — A.S.C.A.P. work I.D. 934751587
SCORE
NOTES
Evening, Milking (2005) is the final song from the song cycle A Love Imagined. You can read more about the song cycle and the poetry’s author, Herbert Scott, HERE. The piece is one of the simpler songs of the cycle of songs, which are quite virtuosic for both singer and especially pianist. This final song of the cycle has been performed on its own several times. It seems to work quite well as a single song, and, although it is not a sad song, it would especially apropos when performed in a ‘Celebration of Life’ (funeral) situation. For example, below is a performance of this song at the poet's funeral celebration of life.
That said, when my mother died in 2009, I became a little obsessed with this particular song. For some reason, when I was composing the cycle, this particular song needed something, in a different way than the others. It needed the addition of a 'cello. I knew it in 2005 when I was writing the cycle. Not too long after my mother passed, I decided to see to this necessity. I added the 'cello. Then I forgot about it. The song and my mother's death haunted me for a while - haunted in a good way.
I am finally adding this rewritten song to my list on primary works and expect that I will hear three brave souls perform it - and hopefully, that will NOT be at my funeral.
Evening, Milking (2005) is the final song from the song cycle A Love Imagined. You can read more about the song cycle and the poetry’s author, Herbert Scott, HERE. The piece is one of the simpler songs of the cycle of songs, which are quite virtuosic for both singer and especially pianist. This final song of the cycle has been performed on its own several times. It seems to work quite well as a single song, and, although it is not a sad song, it would especially apropos when performed in a ‘Celebration of Life’ (funeral) situation. For example, below is a performance of this song at the poet's funeral celebration of life.
That said, when my mother died in 2009, I became a little obsessed with this particular song. For some reason, when I was composing the cycle, this particular song needed something, in a different way than the others. It needed the addition of a 'cello. I knew it in 2005 when I was writing the cycle. Not too long after my mother passed, I decided to see to this necessity. I added the 'cello. Then I forgot about it. The song and my mother's death haunted me for a while - haunted in a good way.
I am finally adding this rewritten song to my list on primary works and expect that I will hear three brave souls perform it - and hopefully, that will NOT be at my funeral.
EVENING, MILKING
by
Herbert Scott
Each day redeemed by evening
The stammering sunset.
The moon in its rut of sky.
The mind is white wicker.
Cows, heavy with the business of milk,
nod home from the east pasture.
There is a moan that milk makes.
The clatter of hooves, the lovely cow eyes.
Thrown oats. The rasp of rough tongues.
My grandmother’s small hands.
It is true the earth cries out at dusk.
Its various voices.
by
Herbert Scott
Each day redeemed by evening
The stammering sunset.
The moon in its rut of sky.
The mind is white wicker.
Cows, heavy with the business of milk,
nod home from the east pasture.
There is a moan that milk makes.
The clatter of hooves, the lovely cow eyes.
Thrown oats. The rasp of rough tongues.
My grandmother’s small hands.
It is true the earth cries out at dusk.
Its various voices.