Invitation to the Dance
This colorful, varied trio of settings for advanced ensemble was composed along with seven other works during a 10 week period over the summer of 2002, to be premiered in an all-Szymko program entitled a "A Choral Conspiracy" - mixed chorus settings of mystical poets featuring unconventional accompanying forces; e.g., bassoon trio, marimba ensemble, contrabass, singing bowl, accordion. In "Invitation to the Dance," beer bottles, and hard shoe dancer accompany Daniel Ladinsky's renderings of the poetry of the Sufi mystic, Hafiz. No.1, "Where is the Door to the Tavern" is a rowdy, polyphonic celebration of under everything as a potential "door to god." No.2, "Until,"- an introspective a cappella meditation features a poignant alto section solo. No.3, "The God Who Only Knows Four Words" is playful, fun, highly rhythmic with soprano soli (2) and presents an opportunity for dance collaboration.
1. Where is the door to the tavern? (available as single octavo) Where is the door to God? In the sound of a barking dog In the ring of a hammer In a drop of rain In the face of everyone I see. 2. Until (available as single octavo) I think we are frightened every moment of our lives Until we Know Him 3. Every child has known God Every child has known God, Not the God of names, Not the God of don'ts, Not the God who ever does Anything weird, But the God who knows only four words. And keeps repeating them, saying: "Come dance with Me." Come Dance.
This colorful, varied trio of settings for advanced ensemble was composed along with seven other works during a 10 week period over the summer of 2002, to be premiered in an all-Szymko program entitled a "A Choral Conspiracy" - mixed chorus settings of mystical poets featuring unconventional accompanying forces; e.g., bassoon trio, marimba ensemble, contrabass, singing bowl, accordion. In "Invitation to the Dance," beer bottles, and hard shoe dancer accompany Daniel Ladinsky's renderings of the poetry of the Sufi mystic, Hafiz. No.1, "Where is the Door to the Tavern" is a rowdy, polyphonic celebration of under everything as a potential "door to god." No.2, "Until,"- an introspective a cappella meditation features a poignant alto section solo. No.3, "The God Who Only Knows Four Words" is playful, fun, highly rhythmic with soprano soli (2) and presents an opportunity for dance collaboration.