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About the Score

This text is taken from Ave Generosa, a liturgical song by Hildegard of Bingen. There are two main images that speak to me in her poem: first, the image of Mary as Glistening Lily. This reminds me of the first time I attended a silent retreat, when I stopped and noticed dew that was glistening on pine leaves. I drew the leaves in my journal, feeling full of joy at seeing such a simple, beautiful moment of creation that I might normally miss.

This relates to the second image, one of “holding joy.” One stanza states, “And your flesh held joy like the grass when the dew falls, when heaven freshens its spring.” I am fascinated at what it might have meant for Mary to literally hold God inside of herself, and to continue to hold the mystery of her Son’s short life while probably being bewildered at his arrival, his journey, and his violent death.

Commissioned by the Park Avenue Christian Church Sanctuary Choir Premiered at the Park Avenue Christian Church Christmas Gala, New York, December 19, 2012

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