Tillage [without violence] (2020)
(solo violin)
8 minutes
Programme Note
the day
the mountain
the winter’s near
those whom Nature hath not made
nothing, sweet boy
both sea and land
rain
and wind
or night
or none
or the sea
or if they sing
or call it winter
or being wreck’d
or seasons’ quality
[say no]
nor stone
nor earth
nor boundless sea
nor gates of steel so strong
but sad mortality
of hand
of foot
of lips
gathered
shake
hold out
kissing
gilding pale streams
loving parts
shifting change
[say no]
how with this rage
how like a winter
like the ocean be
like to thee
from me far off
from limits far remote
what freezings have I felt
what strong hand can hold
against the cold
against the watchful siege
where breath most breathes
where my body is
winter’s ragged hand
will hold me
hold out
upon your soundless deep
no stronger than a flower
no shape so true
my body is the frame
which parts the shore
(WS + RE)