Two Poems of Robert Frost

On the surface, these two Robert Frost poems appear quite different; Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening is contemplative, set in the quietude of a winter night's snow, while The Road Not Taken is decisive, kinetic, and brightly lit by a morning sun. These similarities and differences resonated deeply with the composer, and the opportunity to set recurring themes and melodies in such contrasting musical environments was the impetus and inspiration for this two-movement work. Both movements conjure the remarkably different atmospheres of the respective poems but are interconnected thematically, giving the work cohesion and depth. Both are strikingly colorful and evocative. While the poems are not set literally, there are recurring allusions to the words present in the rhythm, particularly in the phrase "and miles to go before I sleep," as this line seems to especially reflect the physical and spiritual duality of both poems.