At the Water's Edge

This set of four pieces is written to the poetry of Sarah Orne Jewett, who lived most of her life in South Berwick, Maine and is particularly known for the local color and sense of place she brought to her writing. Top of the Hill introduces the town of South Berwick and its natural surroundings, and is set in a rich and hymn-like musical texture. Boat Song, the only accompanied movement, is set for treble choir and harp or piano. Through gently lapping rhythms, this movement evokes the pleasure of drifting idly in languid river currents. In Restless Waves is a brief prayer of remembrance for those who have lost their lives at sea. The final movement, The Eagle Trees, is in turns stately and majestic, tender and sentimental, and explores the interconnection of human life and the natural world in a region sculpted by tidal rivers on their slow and certain path towards the sea.