Dance of the Sunbeams (2024)

I was inspired by the imagery and emotion of the stunning poem by Bliss Carman Dance of the Sunbeams. I have tried to depict the different layers of meaning within the text. Sometimes the music is playful, sometimes fiery, and sometimes quieter and introspective. My tempo indication is 'Merry as running laughter', and the direction in the organ part is 'Bright, like sunbeams sparkling, leaping, and racing', lines borrowed from the poem. The organ is written mostly for the manuals. Pedals are used sparingly and for a special moments only.

Text after Dance of the Sunbeams

by Bliss Carman

Wherever a young breeze whispers,

The sun-clad dancers wake!

One after one up-springing,

They flash from their dim retreat.

Merry as running laughter

Is the news of their twinkling feet.

Over the floors of azure

Wherever the wind-flaws run,

Sparkling, leaping, and racing,

Their antics scatter the sun.

Never a moment sad;

As long as water ripples,

Day after day they are dancing,

But when through the field of heaven

The wings of storm take flight,

At a touch of the flying shadows

They falter and slip from sight.

Until at the gray day's ending,

As the squadrons of cloud retire,

They pass in the triumph of sunset

With banners of crimson fire.