Rossetti Song Cycle by Jason Thorpe Buchanan was composed during the fall semester of 2006. The three poems were written by the English artist and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti(1828-1882) between the years of 1849 & 1881. He was probably better known for his paintings than his poetry, though he fared well in both mediums. The three poems deal with similar themes and concepts, while the music is tied together through the use of similar harmonic material, textures and rhythmic material.Katie Dukes - SopranoAllesandra Cionco - SopranoSharon Brook - PianoInsomnia (1881) - Dante Rossetti Thin are the night-skirts left behind By daybreak hours that onward creep, And thin, alas! the shred of sleep That wavers with the spirit's wind: But in half-dreams that shift and roll And still remember and forget, My soul this hour has drawn your soul A little nearer yet. Our lives, most dear, are never near, Our thoughts are never far apart, Though all that draws us heart to heart Seems fainter now and now more clear. Tonight love claims his full control, And with desire and with regret My soul this hour has drawn your soul A little nearer yet. Is there a home where heavy earth Melts to bright air that breathes no pain, Where water leaves no thirst again And springing fire is love's new birth?If faith long bound to one true goal May there at length its hope beget, My soul that hour shall draw your soul For ever nearer yet.http://www.jasonthorpebuchanan.comhttp://www.melosmusic.com
