The Bell was written during my sophomore year and was the first piece I composed as part of my composition lessons. Setting Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem to music, the piece uses text painting, a technique where the music reflects the words being sung. Listen for how the piano accompaniment subtly reinforces the lyrics, with bell-like chimes or fragments of the Dies lrae {a medieval chant associated with death) woven into the texture for keen listeners to catch. The music unfolds freely, mirroring the reflective nature of the poem, with shifting harmonies and intricate textures that bring Emerson's words to life.
I love thy music, mellow bell,
I love thine iron chime,
To life or death, to heaven or hell,
Which calls the sons of Time.
Thy voice upon the deep
The home-bound sea-boy hails,
It charms his cares to sleep,
It cheers him as he sails.
To house of God and heavenly joys
Thy summons called our sires,
And good men thought thy sacred voice
Disarmed the thunder's fires.
And soon thy music, sad death-bell,
Shall lift its notes once more,
And mix my requiem with the wind
That sweeps my native shore.
Duration: 4.5 minutes
Composed Fall of 2023
The Bell was written during my sophomore year and was the first piece I composed as part of my composition lessons. Setting Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem to music, the piece uses text painting, a technique where the music reflects the words being sung. Listen for how the piano accompaniment subtly reinforces the lyrics, with bell-like chimes or fragments of the Dies lrae {a medieval chant associated with death) woven into the texture for keen listeners to catch. The music unfolds freely, mirroring the reflective nature of the poem, with shifting harmonies and intricate textures that bring Emerson's words to life.
I love thy music, mellow bell,
I love thine iron chime,
To life or death, to heaven or hell,
Which calls the sons of Time.
Thy voice upon the deep
The home-bound sea-boy hails,
It charms his cares to sleep,
It cheers him as he sails.
To house of God and heavenly joys
Thy summons called our sires,
And good men thought thy sacred voice
Disarmed the thunder's fires.
And soon thy music, sad death-bell,
Shall lift its notes once more,
And mix my requiem with the wind
That sweeps my native shore.
Duration: 4.5 minutes
Composed Fall of 2023
