Impermanence, for SSATTB chorus and amplified ensemble (ca. 11 min.)
This work juxtaposes a setting of Rochelle Jewel Shapiro’s poem The fireflies have barely winked their neon green with that of Jonah’s prayer from inside the whale (in colloquial English). The men and women of the chorus are divided, with the men singing the biblical text and the women singing Shaprio’s poem. The alternating men’s and women’s voices inhabit different sound worlds at first, singing in different textures and modes, and they gradually come closer together without ever merging. Originally composed for chorus and organ, this version was created for and premiered by C4: the Choral Composer/Conductor Collective and the Fireworks Ensemble (flute/piccolo, alto saxophone, electric guitar, electric bass, piano/synthesizer, violin, and cello) in 2012.