I Do Not Love Thee Three Ways

When I happened across the 19th Century English poem, "I Do Not Love Thee," by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (1808-1876) I was charmed by its strong disclaimer of love accompanied by words revealing just the opposite and thought it would be fun to set it to music for mezzo-soprano or contralto. Composing in 2002, the three ways I chose to present it, were first, a simple duet with flute, next as a baroque-style trio with flute and cello, and finally, adding a piano to the group, in blues style.The poem is as follows: I do not love thee!, no! I do not love thee!And yet when thou art absent I am sad; And envy even the bright blue sky above thee,Whose quiet stars may see thee and be glad. I do not love thee!, yet, I know not why,Whate'er thou dost seem still well done, to me: And often in my solitude I sighThat those I do love are not more like thee! I do not love thee!, yet, when thou art gone,I hate the sound (though those who speak be dear) Which breaks the lingering echo of the toneThy voice of music leaves upon my ear. I do not love thee!, yet thy speaking eyes,With their deep, bright, and most expressive blue, Between me and the midnight heaven arise,Oftener than any eyes I ever knew. I know I do not love thee! Yet, alas!Others will scarcely trust my candid heart; And oft I catch them smiling as they pass,Because they see me gazing where thou art.Duration 14 minutes. Audio musicians, Paula Arciniega, mezzo-soprano, Stephanie McNab, flute, Emil Miland, cello, John McCarthy, piano. Only way 1 is uploaded here. To hear the other 2 ways please go to my website www.garyfriedmanmusic.net