Lilacs blossom just as sweet by Helena Michelson

“Lilacs blossom just as sweet” is a setting of Dorothy Parker’s poem titled “Threnody” and comes from her book, Enough Rope (1926). A creature of the Jazz Age known for her daring individuality and sharp wit, Parker was one of the most published and read poets in the early 20th century America. “Threnody” is a love poem and is a lament. A woman who is left without her lover speaks of her romantic suffering but in a way that suggests that her situation is temporary. In my setting I emphasize the narrative aspects of the poem, repeating certain words and phrases, while focusing on the mood of the poem. The frequent downward motion in the bass line in the piano part suggests mourning. The harmonic language, at times quasi modal, is meant to create a texture that is subtle and delicate.

"Lilacs blossom just as sweet" was composed for PREMIERE|Project Festival 2022

Dorothy Parker (1893-1967), “Threnody” from Enough Rope (1926)

Lilacs blossom just as sweet
Now my heart is shattered.
If I bowled it down the street,
Who's to say it mattered?
If there's one that rode away
What would I be missing?
Lips that taste of tears, they say,
Are the best for kissing.

Eyes that watch the morning star
Seem a little brighter;
Arms held out to darkness are
Usually whiter.
Shall I bar the strolling guest,
Bind my brow with willow,
When, they say, the empty breast
Is the softer pillow?

That a heart falls tinkling down,
Never think it ceases.
Every likely lad in town
Gathers up the pieces.
If there's one gone whistling by
Would I let it grieve me?
Let him wonder if I lie;
Let him half believe me.