TWO NOCTURNES (2013)

voice and piano (7')

texts from Chamber Music by James Joyce

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written for Emma Rosenthal

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(I)

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When the shy star goes forth in heaven 
All maidenly, disconsolate, 
Hear you amid the drowsy even 
One who is singing by your gate. 
His song is softer than the dew 
And he is come to visit you. 

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(II)

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At that hour when all things have repose, 
O lonely watcher of the skies, 
Do you hear the night wind and the sighs 
Of harps playing unto Love to unclose 
The pale gates of sunrise? 

When all things repose, do you alone 
Awake to hear the sweet harps play 
To Love before him on his way, 
And the night wind answering in antiphon 
Till night is overgone? 

Play on, invisible harps, unto Love, 
Whose way in heaven is aglow

At that hour when soft lights come and go,

Soft sweet music in the air above

And in the earth below.

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