Song on May Morning

Yesterday I finished Song on May Morning, a new choral work composed for Schola Cantorum of Boston and Juventas New Music Ensemble.  The work is a setting of John Milton's poem "Song on May Morning," an ode to glorious spring days that beckon a season of rebirth:

Now the bright morning Star, Dayes harbinger, 

Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her 

The Flowry May, who from her green lap throws 

The yellow Cowslip, and the pale Primrose.

Hail bounteous May that dost inspire 

Mirth and youth, and warm desire, 

Woods and Groves, are of thy dressing, 

Hill and Dale, doth boast thy blessing. 

Thus we salute thee with our early Song, 

And welcom thee, and wish thee long.

Catch the world premiere performances November 18 & 20 in Boston, and November 19 in Providence.