For a Breath of Ecstasy

Each of the movements in this work chronicles Teasdale's search for solace amid life's many storms. The tapestry of different vocal forces set against the backdrop of oboe and strings reveals moments of yearning, love, joy, and peace. Vivid imagery portrays transcendent moments of solace that are revealed in an individual's relationship to nature and in love. This work draws texts from Love Songs, the collection by celebrated American poet Sara Teasdale, and was commissioned to celebrate the centennial of her winning the first Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.