Falling is a song cycle based on two poems by Kathryn Stripling Byers (Snowbird and Lost Soul) and excerpts from David Bottoms’ longer three-part poem, In a U-Haul North of Damascus. The poems have been arranged in a sequence that forms a four-part narrative of conflict, separation and the possibility of consolation and renewal. Full of restless energy and bursts of passionate lyricism, Falling is a challenging work for a mature singer. The vocal range calls for a singer who can rise to the high B above that treble staff and descend to the F sharp below the piano part. This piece is transcribed from the orchestral original by the composer and Arthur Bloom, edited by Lisa Moore, and is challenging but idiomatic. The score and parts for the orchestral version are available from the publisher’s rental department.

Program Notes
Texts for the Songs
I. At midday
II. Lord, what are the sins
III. Wind shakes the latch
IV. Now the sun