Description
Ode on Solitude
For Piccolo trumpet, high tenor voice, and piano 3’
Commissioned by Pat Shaner (trumpet) for himself and his son, Hunter (tenor)
The text is from the poem Ode on Solitude by Alexander Pope
Happy the man, whose wish and care
A few paternal acres bound,
Content to breathe his native air,
In his own ground.
Whose heards with milk, whose fields with bread,
Whose flocks supply him with attire,
Whose trees in summer yield him shade,
In winter fire.
Blest, who can unconcernedly find
Hours, days, and years slide soft away,
In health of body, peace of mind,
Quiet by day,
Sound sleep by night; study and ease,
Together mixed; sweet recreation;
And innocence, which most does please,
With meditation.
Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;
Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie.
Program notes by the composer:
I found the text to be full of confidence, self fulfillment, and joy at being solitary. Therefore, the tune is quite lively, very bold, and a little bit “huntsman”, given Hunter’s name, and the fact that Alexander Pope was an English 18th century poet.
Jim Stephenson, 2015
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