Come slowly - Eden! for solo cello, string quartet and two percussionists

(2018-19)

Come slowly – Eden!

Lips unused to Thee –

Bashful – sip thy Jessamines –

As the fainting Bee –

Reaching late his flower,

Round her chamber hums –

Counts his nectars –

Enters – and is lost in Balms.

By Emily Dickinson

Why this title? Why this poem?

I am not sure I have an answer that will be satisfactory. Knowing me, I will probably revise the reason behind the "why" with the passage of time. One thing I can say for certain is that I adore the work of Dickinson. Each poem imparts so much, so simply, and with such mystery and clarity. These are complicated aphorism of completeness, and yet there is so much room to wonder and ponder and question. This cello concerto is the third (and final) version of my attempt to compose a chamber concert for Michelle Kesler. The fully composed, and now discarded first two version are ravishing failures. I am not sure this piece is a failure, but at least I understand where it came from.

 

Come slowly - Eden! Come slowly - Eden! Lips unused to Thee - Bashful - sip thy Jessamines - As the fainting Bee - Reaching late his flower, Round her chamber hums - Counts his nectars - Enters - and is lost in Balms. By Emily Dickinson Why this title?