Lark at Heavens Gate Sings

Cory Johnson’s skill at part-writing is gloriously exemplified in this masterful setting from Shakespeare’s Cymbeline. From the echoing two-note motif, enjoining us to “Hark!” we follow soft arcs of melody, as they wing through contrapuntal phrases, or alight, momentarily, to nest in sumptuous chordal harmonies. Especially wonderful is the composer’s word-painting as “winking Mary-buds begin to open their golden eyes.” And harmonies of exquisite tenderness shade “With everything that pretty is, my lady sweet, arise.” This piece quickly proves to delight both singer and audience.