Stillwell: Songs of Love and Solace, Op. 10

Description

Songs of Love and Solace traces a young man's journey of love and heartbreak. The cycle of four texts by Irish poet William Butler Yeats begins with "Brown Penny." This short poem depicts a young man infatuated with the idea of falling in love, and then becoming awestruck as he contemplates the depths of love's power. in the second poem, "He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven," the poet, speaking to his beloved, realizes he has nothing of value to offer but his dreams. "Tread softly," he implores, "because you tread on my dreams." in "When You Are Old," we find our poet heartbroken. in his grief he peers into the future and foresees his beloved, in old age, remembering the depth and purity of their forsaken love: "But one man love the pilgrim soul in you, and loved the sorrows of your changing face." in the final song, "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," the poet, saddened but wiser, wistfully resolves to escape the struggles and heartbreaks of his modern existence, and seek solace in the beauty and calm of nature. Songs may be performed separately.

Contents:

I. Brown Penny II. He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven III. When You Are Old IV. The Lake Isle of Innisfree