Hold Fast to Dreams
Program Note:
This iconic poem by Langston Hughes is often presented in an optimistic, encouraging context. The words inspire us as well as warn us that "if dreams die life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." How often do we hear words that urge us to continue to dream? Do we always believe them? Depending on the deliver, those words can fall on deaf ears. You may ask, "is this a true or false statement?" To show that interpretation, I have composed four separate movements in different musical moods using the same text. The first three movements are for solo voice, while the last movement is performed by all three singers. Do the words ring true or false?
-Carlos Simon
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow
also available for violin and piano
Hold Fast to Dreams
6 minutes
for baritone, mezzo soprano, tenor, and piano
Mirror Visions Ensemble
Program Note:
This iconic poem by Langston Hughes is often presented in an optimistic, encouraging context. The words inspire us as well as warn us that "if dreams die life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." How often do we hear words that urge us to continue to dream? Do we always believe them? Depending on the deliver, those words can fall on deaf ears. You may ask, "is this a true or false statement?" To show that interpretation, I have composed four separate movements in different musical moods using the same text. The first three movements are for solo voice, while the last movement is performed by all three singers. Do the words ring true or false?
-Carlos Simon
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow
also available for violin and piano