Water

by Glass Clouds Ensemble

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about

“Water” is inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem of the same name, depicting the dual powers of water as both a healer and destroyer. The piece acts as a cautionary message regarding humanity’s relationship with nature in our modern global environmental crisis. As a fundamental resource, water is both wondrously essential to our survival and, when manipulated in damaging ways, bears the potential for unlimited destruction.

The musical choices of the piece are closely linked to Emerson's text, favoring expression born from intimate dialogue between the singer and the two violins. The piece opens with a depiction of the maddening drip-drop of water, a timbral motive linked to the frenzied vocal line in later moments, while retaining an awareness of the traditions of lyric singing and string playing throughout.

– Filippo Lepre

lyrics

'Water'
Ralph Waldo Emerson

The water understands
Civilization well;
It wets my foot, but prettily,
It chills my life, but wittily,
It is not disconcerted,
It is not broken-hearted:
Well used, it decketh joy,
Adorneth, doubleth joy:
Ill used, it will destroy,
In perfect time and measure
With a face of golden pleasure
Elegantly destroy.

credits

released July 10, 2022
Composer: Filippo Lepre

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about

Glass Clouds Ensemble New York, New York

Raina, Marisa, and Lauren formed the Glass Clouds Ensemble out of a mutual desire to connect meaningfully with local environmental issues through contemporary music and improvisation. Inspired by Pauline Oliveros' sonic meditations, we found a parallel in the practice of exploring one’s sound environment to the symbiotic relationship between humans and our natural environment. ... more

glasscloudsensemble.com

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