The poem “Morning Song” by Sara Teasdale beautifully captures the serene beauty of a sunrise, with delicate imagery of the sun and moon together in the morning sky. The poem served as a source of inspiration, evoking a vivid mental image that became the foundation for creating a quasi-soundscape that would echo the essence of a sunrise. To portray the gradual unfolding of a sunrise, the piece begins with a tranquil and subdued tone, mirroring the hushed beginning of daybreak. As the piece progresses, it builds towards a dramatic climax, symbolizing the radiant burst of light as the sun ascends over the horizon. This crescendo is characterized by intricate layers and an extended range, capturing the awe- inspiring moment when sunlight blankets the earth. Subsequently, the music gently recedes into a subdued ending, mirroring how the world gradually adapts to daylight, with the intense brilliance of morning giving way to quiet acceptance.

Morning Song is written for unaccompanied SATB Choir with splits.

Live concert recording from “All Northwest”, May 11, 2024

by Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble, Loren W. Pontén, director

As part of the Robert Scandrett Memorial Student Composer Program