I Carry Your Heart

E. E. Cummings' poem [i carry your heart with me(i carry it in] could be read as a marriage vow, a joyous ode to a newborn, or even a eulogy to a lost love – this poem is adaptable to all kinds and levels of love. This setting is grounded in a steady quarter-note ostinato that suggests the gentle tolling of bells, expressing respect and affection both dignified and joyous in character. The accompaniment becomes subtly more animated at the poem's two climaxes: "whatever a sun will always sing is you" and "higher than the soul can hope..." The work ends with serene confidence as the poet affirms the undeviating constancy and resolve of love. Duration: 5:30