Anew—A Choral Work and Concert Theme for Transformation

One of the biggest challenges for composers is starting fresh. It often means stepping into the unknown, exploring new techniques, and embracing themes that push us out of our comfort zones. On a societal level, change is frequently met with resistance because it can feel discomforting and difficult to manage, especially at first.

More than just a piece of music, Anew holds the potential to inspire an entire concert program. Its themes of resilience, renewal, and emergence from darkness resonate deeply with the challenges and transformations we face as individuals and communities in today’s world.

When setting Karen Poppy’s poem to music, I sought to give emotional weight to the recurring phrase, “It might be,” as it reflects both anxiety and resignation to failure. To mirror this, I used recurring melodic motifs and dissonant harmonic patterns to capture the tension and longing. In the middle section, the harmonic and rhythmic tension gradually builds, leading to the climactic lines: “But everything surges back, sounds and gathers, a spring of resilient light.” Here, I introduced a triumphant atmosphere, featuring a soaring soprano solo or ensemble to symbolize renewal and hope.

The poem reads:

It might be easier
To fail—with Land in Sight— (Emily Dickinson)

It might be easier to fail, as music
Fails to continue in its own wake.

It might be easier to be lonely,
A single stone of silent oblivion.

It might be easier to succumb,
No fight against drowning dark—

But everything surges back, sounds &
Gathers, a spring of resilient light. (Karen Poppy)

The interplay of shadow and light within the text offered a compelling opportunity for emotional contrasts, dynamic shaping, and thematic transformation—all of which were exciting yet challenging to bring to life musically.

The title, Anew, encapsulates the idea of fresh starts and hopeful futures, making it a powerful central theme for a concert program exploring:

Overcoming Adversity: Pieces reflecting struggle and the triumph of the human spirit, as seen in my new piece, Today, Under Darkened Skies (SATB, SSAA, and TTBB a cappella).
Transformation and Growth: Works highlighting change, evolution, and renewal, such as Come, My Way (SATB with piano).
Seasons of Life: Music representing the cyclical nature of endings and beginnings, including I Had No Time to Hate (SATB a cappella).

Pairing Anew with complementary pieces—such as works exploring themes of resilience, personal identity, or global unity—can create a deeply meaningful and cohesive program. The soprano soloist or ensemble moment within Anew serves as a focal point, underscoring the personal and universal nature of the journey it represents.

Whether for a winter concert, a spring renewal theme, or a program addressing contemporary societal challenges, Anew offers a foundation for a transformative and impactful performance experience.