This Day, O Soul

SSAATBB with Piano – Lv. 4

I’ve interpreted this poem as an opportunity for reflection, and as a letter of encouragement. 

The piece begins with a call to the soul. The C lydian mode is guided by these echoes up a whole step as the choir enters a swirling mirror represented by the new brisk tempo in 5/8. The piano interjects with whimsy, guiding us into new territory where we get our first glimpse of our past soul. A sudden shift to F# minor and a familiar 12/8 time signature pair with a new descending melody. With a quick flourish from the piano, the choir exclaims, “Behold, O Soul!” A kaleidoscope of sound emerges, followed by a fusion of F# minor and the previous irregular meter. 

I understand this “mirror” to be a new way of perceiving myself, and the world. A “faithful” representation of both includes the good, bad, and everything in between. But most importantly, it invokes a sense of appreciation for all of it.

The music unwinds out like a spiral, presenting what we heard before with a newly found confidence. The same bells from the piano reverberate in the distance – like a memory of a dream that obfuscates with time.