Shelter in Place (2021) by Adrienne Inglis, commissioned by Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon, April 2021, sets former Oregon poet laureate Kim Stafford’s poem Shelter in Place (2020) for SSAATB mixed choir with Oregon nature soundtrack created by Chris Clark-Johnson, Lewis & Clark College class of 2021.
Written during the coronavirus pandemic, the poem expresses how quarantine can serve as a conduit for healing, how words of comfort flow despite barriers, and how the paralysis of sheltering in place generates creative movement. The music and poem draw inspiration from ancient forest wisdom, shown musically with a pentatonic scale. The tight harmonies of Locrian mode bind moss to stone and stream to its own flow. Then vocal expression bursts forth with lush harmonies as singers serenade from balconies, sharing compassion through music. Returning to the pentatonic scale, we overcome obstacles and send generosity beyond our ancient and modern world into the celestial realm.
The nature soundtrack features sounds of the Oregon forest, stream, and night sky. Listen here: https://youtu.be/mDjwealth9I/%22.
Perusal video score here: https://youtu.be/Z5S72mUKIPI.