Fugue with Robin and Dogwood by cvfrizzo

My dear and longtime friend Britton Shurley was the inspiration of this work. The setting of his poem “Fugue with Robin and Dogwood” was yet another chance to collaborate with an artist from my childhood and home. I have always welcomed his insight on art as well as life, and I welcome the opportunity to connect with his poetry. Shurley’s poem musically depicts a common scene in Kentucky. The robin is often one of the first visual signs of an early spring, and in many cultures carries a symbolic meaning of good-fortune. However, the poem describes the robin as “just a lone,” and therefore conveys both mystery and sadness within regeneration. For me, the poem resonates with the affect and meaning found in the hymn, “Now the Green Blade Rises” which is frequently sung in many churches during Eastertide. I was struck by a deep melancholy as I reread Shurley’s passages over and over again. As I’ve aged, I have also found myself worrying about our future in what seems to be a more and more broken world. As a realist, I see no promising outcome due to the constant bombardment of troubling news, but the romantic in me still hopes. I still hope we will find our way and bring in a new spring.

It is dedicated to all of the wonderful musicians, staff, and administrators who ensured Big Sky Choral Initiative’s success. A special thanks to Donald Nally, members of The Crossing, and John Zirkle for all their hard work and talent. It is with their advocacy for new music that made this work possible.

To purchase a score, please visit http://www.carlovincettifrizzo.com/coming-soon