November 25th, 2018 (premiere)
Brooklyn Public Library
11′
Miranda Cuckson, violin
Jessica Meyer, viola
Caleb van der Swaagh, cello
I. The Sun is my Master
II. I shine on those who are forsaken…tear off the mask, your face is glorious
III. I will bring you love’s wine, for I am born of the sun
“ ‘I Only Speak of the Sun’, a three-movement string trio based on a Rumi ode, immediately exploded with radiance…from a beginning that featured bright harmonics in the violin and viola while the cello played a vibrant melody, each movement in turn provided enveloping emotional expression.”
PROGRAM NOTE
This piece was inspired by the following Ode written by Rumi while exploring all the different colors these instruments can make:
I only speak of the Sun
because the Sun is my Master
I worship even the dust at His feet.
I am not a night-lover and do not praise sleep
I am the messenger of the Sun!
Secretly I will ask Him and pass the answers to you.
Like the Sun I shine on those who are forsaken
I may look drunk and disheveled but I speak the Truth.
Tear off the mask, your face is glorious,
your heart may be cold as stone but
I will warm it with my raging fire.
No longer will I speak of sunsets or rising Moons,
I will bring you love’s wine
for I am born of the Sun
I am a King!