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Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work by The Fidelio Society of Phillips Academy, Christopher Walter, conductor.
Dedicated to Barbara Chase, Head of School, Phillips Academy, Andover 1994-2012
First Perfomed May 25 2012 by the Fidelio Society, Phillips Academy, conducted by Christopher Walter
A Prayer in Spring (poem by Robert Frost) asks that we take pleasure in the joys of today, rather than worry about the uncertain "harvest" (future). "Keep us here all simply in the springing of the year."
Both the message and the language of the poem express simplicity. And thus, the musical setting is placed in the "simple" key of C Major. The singing is mostly in unison or in hymn style. The voices occasionally answer each other in thirds.
When speaking of the beauty of the natural world, there is a rapturous response, "For this is love, and nothing else is love." These lines provide the climax to this gentle music. The ending is peaceful. "This is our prayer in Spring."
Notes by the composer