Love's Philosophy

Text by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Commissioned by the MidCities Chamber Singers, D.J. Bulls, conductor.



Reading the text suggested so many musical ideas, especially in terms of harmony and texture. The duple vs. triple piano accompaniment helps set a nebulous rhythmic feel without taking away a clear sense of pulse, suggesting the idea of being swept up in the feelings of love. The harmonies are rich and lush, which follows the rich imagery of the poetry. From the beginning of the piece, there is a continual move towards harmonic resolution, which never really arrives until the final measures of the piece, and then, only briefly.