The central poem "Sea Song", by Madeleine L'Engle, depicts Neptune as a Sea Bishop who blesses all the creatures of sea and land. Gawthrop's vocally grateful text setting is particularly strong here, with occasional imitative entrances. The legato lullaby "Dream Song" with rocking rhythms imagines dreams coming in on little boats at sunset, then sailing away again at dawn. Three ships full of wheat come into port, and sailors and young women haggle over their wares. Who will be cheated? The rousing concert-closer "Roulez jeunes gens, roulez " features clapping and stomping body percussion. It is high-energy entertainment, written for the Cornell University Glee Club, and now part of their permanent repertoire. |