Description
Song Cycle Notes
One of the leading poets of her time, H.D. (Hilda Doolittle) was a pioneer of imagism. Depicted with a concision of language, the vivid scenes of Sea Garden make it a shining example of this fresh and modern style. The cycle is a tale of resilience, a battle against the cruel and relentless forces of nature, in which the marginalized and seemingly delicate thrive under difficult conditions. Repeated scales symbolize the merciless wind that lashing against “The Wind Sleepers.” The use of modality highlights the Greek influence of H.D.’s poetry and gives the music a mystical quality. The harsh wind continues in “Hermes of the Ways,” beginning with a dissonant gesture in the piano that softens at the mention of nature’s beauty amongst the ever-blowing wind. A delicate opening piano motive evolves into fluttering triplets in “Sea Violet.” As the sun reveals the sea violet’s beauty, the music bursts with excitement. “But You Have Waited” paints the continued struggle against the elements, and winding piano melodies illustrate the twisted boughs of the distressed trees on the shore. Stark harmonies depict the “meagre flower” of the “Sea Rose,” but moments of consonant sweetness capture its unique beauty. “Garden” alternates sections of intense triplets exemplifying the battering wind with languid chords depicting the oppressive heat. “Acon” closes the cycle with a gathering scene, as mortals and nymphs bring the dying Hyella offerings to comfort her in her last moments. As in “The Wind Sleepers,” repeated sextuplets in the piano create a feeling of traveling, as those who face the unforgiving forces of nature journey on.
