Dreams in War Time (2019) for soprano
and piano

Based on a poem by Amy Lowell, this set illustrates seven dreams by exploring various tempi, phrase structures, harmonic approaches, and accompaniment textures. When searching for a text, I had been drawn to the vivid – and quite abstract – imagery, which I felt suited the expressive capabilities of soprano Lauren Prestifilippo. Though short in length, each of the seven songs gives a taste of a different musical environment before cutting to a new scene, as dreams often do.

1. I wandered through a house of many rooms.

2. I dug a grave under an oak tree.

3. I gambled with a silver money.

4. I painted the leaves of bushes red

5. I followed a procession of singing girls

6. I wished to post a letter

7. I had made a kite