2024 | 13 minutes

Instrumentation

Soprano (C4-A5)
Piano

Program Notes

The Faces of Love is a poignant song cycle inspired by the rich emotional landscapes of the Russian Silver Age, featuring the words of Marina Tsvetaeva, Alexander Blok, and Igor Severyanin. Each poem explores a distinct facet of love, revealing the complexities and nuances that define our deepest connections.

The cycle opens with Severyanin's evocative language of unrequited or unexpressed love. This hauntingly beautiful segment captures the essence of longing and the pain of love that remains hidden. The second song focuses on Blok's exploration of unconditional motherly love. The text evokes a profound sacrifice, painting a portrait of devotion that transcends self by illuminating three distinct perspectives: a narrator discussing an all powerful sorcerer, a mother who left her homeland to seek a better life for her daughter, and an innocent child disturbed by dreams. Finally, the cycle culminates in Tsvetaeva's intimate portrayal of love, evoking the serene comfort of falling asleep beside a loved one. This section celebrates the quiet, tender love. Ever-present block chords portray the stability we find in true connection.

Poetry

by Igor Severyanin, Alexander Blok, and Marina Tsvetaeva