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Poem of Love and Joy

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Chorus
2022
6 min.

Baritone

Bass

Piano

Tenor

More Details

Program Notes
During my final year of high school in 2022, I had the opportunity to perform Z. Randall Stroope’s "Amor de Mi Alma", a stunning piece based on a 16th-century love poem. After some time had passed, I began to reflect on the moment and felt inspired to create a similar piece, infused with my own experiences and influences. Thus, I started writing "Poem of Love and Joy". My primary decision and goal for this piece was to compose a love poem that did not address any individual but instead focus on the issues of love from a gay male perspective. The piece delves into the intricacies of queer love, emphasizing its rarity, beauty, and fragility. It also touches on the inner struggles of self-denial and self-hatred, as well as the external struggles of living in an unsupportive environment and feeling disconnected from others who share similar experiences. These are all issues that I have either personally experienced or observed in others.
Recording Notes
Premiered on October 25, 2023 by the University of Arkansas, Razorback Chorus under the direction of Jeffery Allen Murdock
Ensemble Name
Razorback Chorus; Carla Summers, Piano; Jeffery Allen Murdock, Conductor

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