TSE GO LA (At The Threshold Of This Life) - 30 minute cantata by Andrea Clearfield

The work is inspired by the composer's fieldwork in the restricted Himalayan region of Lo Monthang, Nepal, near the border of Tibet documenting indigenous folk song, 2008-2010. The seven movement cantata was commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and Pennsylvania Girlchoir. The work, scored for SATB and SSA choruses, digital audio and chamber orchestra, was composed in 2012 and revised in 2013. This performance from Spring, 2013 is by the University of Austin New Music Ensemble and Choirs, directed by Dan Welcher. The cantata is based on rites of passage. Texts: Dr. Sienna Craig and traditional texts from the region of Lo Monthang in Upper Mustang, Nepal, initial translations by Karma Wangyal Gurung and Katey Blumenthal; poetic translations by Sienna Craig; transliterations by Katey Blumenthal and Andrea Clearfield. Movements I and VI are sung in English, set to poetry by Dr. Sienna Craig.
Prologue: At the threshold (I)
I Kye (Birth)
II Shar Ki Ri (Mountain to the East)
III Kusum (Queen Kusum goes to Ladakh)
IV Tse Go La (At the threshold of this life)
V Re Chung Tso (The performers)
Interlude: At the threshold (II)
VI Shi (Death)