Einst mit dir

for soprano, clarinet, violin and live-electronics
Year: 2007
Duration: 13:00 min
Studio: Harvard University Studio for Electroacoustic Composition
Date of first performance: December 17, 2007
By: Jennifer Ashe – sorpano, Gabby Diaz – violin, Michael Norsworthy – clarinet
Place: Sanders Theatre, Cambridge MA

upon the poem Fenster wo ich einst mit dir by Stefan George

Since I began composing music, poetry has always been a powerful source of inspiration for me. Over the years, I’ve created a diverse range of works—from chamber operas to purely electro-acoustic pieces—often drawing on texts by Georg Trakl and Karl Lubomirski. Stefan George’s poem “Fenster wo ich einst mit dir” struck a deep chord with me, inspiring me to translate into music the complex emotions and thoughts that arise after losing someone dear. This piece embodies a journey from deception and anger, through restlessness, ultimately arriving at a kind of positive calm.

Recording of the premiere

Stefan George
Fenster wo ich einst mit dir
Abends in die landschaft sah
Sind nun hell mit fremdem licht.

 

Pfad noch läuft vom tor wo du
Standest ohne umzuschaun
Dann ins tal hinunterbogst.

 

Bei der kehr warf nochmals auf
Mond dein bleiches angesicht ..
Doch es war zu spät zum ruf.

 

Dunkel - schweigen - starre luft

Sinkt wie damals um das haus.
Alle freude nahmst du mit.

Windows where I once with you
Watched the countryside by dusk
Are now full of alien light.

 

Still the path runs to the gate
Where you stood and did not turn.
Then you walked on down the hill.

 

At the turn the moon once more
Threw its light on your pale face...
But it was too late to call.

 

Darkness - silence - chilling air
Sinks as then around the house.
All my joy you took with you.