Appalachian Sketchbook
Song Cycle



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This is a cycle of three songs setting poetry of Violet Wynn. Although originally written for voice and piano, I have also written an arrangement that replaces the voice with oboe and violin, in order to perform this piece at a recital with my friend Alexander Marte, violin, and myself on oboe. This was the world premiere of the cycle, and is the recording linked above. This piece is tied together by what I think of as “Mountain chords.” These chords take a slightly different form in each movement, but are fifth-based, and move in parallel motion. Other unifying elements are the rolled pentatonic chords introduced in the very beginning of the piece, as well as the use of vocalise (the contrast between lyrics and vocalize was the one element that I was unfortunately unable to effectively capture in the instrumental version).



Snowflakes drift and gust in the chill breeze
Among cloud shadows and delicate sun-mottled mountains
While rhododendrons and mountain pines
sing their joyful song in counterpoint with the wind
-
The moon bathes fresh snow in blue and silver light
Although it is beautiful, I wish it would not shine so
Then I would not have to see the darkness so clearly
-
Golden leaves raining
upon an ocean of grass
The balance I seek
Dancing on Autumn leaves
in shadow and light


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Notes from the Poet:


The intent of each poem is to capture the essence of an individual moment as a textual sketch, capturing the scenery as well as the emotional state of the speaker into a complete image. Each poem depicts a specific scene that has some significance to me.
Golden Leaves recalls a walking meditation where fall leaves fell like rain, as well as a particular maple tree whose leaves danced in the wind, casting light and shadows on each other. The Moon was written during the 2016 snowstorm that dumped several feet of snow on most of the area. Looking out my kitchen window over the gently rolling snow cast in the light of the full moon, a sense of longing came over me, like a memory from another lifetime. Finally, Black Mountain is a scene viewed from a lookout point in the Black Mountains of North Carolina. The first real snow of winter was blowing a light dusting of snow around, and the clouds cast deep shadows across the mountains and valleys.

-Violet Wynn



for information on obtaining sheet music, please contact me at WalkerWilliamsMusic@gmail.com