A Few Figs from Thistles (2021)
flute, clarinet, violin, cello
c. 7 minutes
Commissioned by Hub New Music/The Walden School Faculty Commissioning Project
Premiered by Hub New Music
Louise Shonk Kelly Recital Hall, Dublin, NH, 9 July 2021
c. 7 minutes
Commissioned by Hub New Music/The Walden School Faculty Commissioning Project
Premiered by Hub New Music
Louise Shonk Kelly Recital Hall, Dublin, NH, 9 July 2021
The opening two “figs” of Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poetry collection A Few Figs from Thistles (1922) each describe an object of beauty that exists only for a moment. In just a few lines, Millay’s first fig depicts the lovely light of a candle burning away at both ends. In the second fig, Millay focuses on a shining palace built on the sand—a palace that will no doubt wash away with the rising of the tide. My own A Few Figs from Thistles (2021) plays with Millay’s depictions of ephemeral beauty. The work uses musical ideas—a single scale, pitch itself, etc.—that gradually decay or fade away, much like Millay’s candles and palaces.
First Fig
My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night:
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— It gives a lovely light!
Second Fig
Safe upon the solid rock the ugly houses stand:
Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand!
First Fig
My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night:
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— It gives a lovely light!
Second Fig
Safe upon the solid rock the ugly houses stand:
Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand!