Four poems sharing a common motif of 'Night' provide the texts for my choral cycle Nocturnes, the American Choral Directors Association's commissioned work for its 2005 national convention. For Rilke's atmospheric “Sa nuit d'ete,” several melodic themes are supported by dense, colorful harmonies in both the choral and piano parts, leading to a climactic section where all are combined and stated simultaneously. Neruda's “Soneto de la Noche,” from his Cien Sonetos de Amor, speaks of an eternal love that transcends death while reaffirming life. My a cappella setting of this gorgeous poem is predominantly quiet, serene and folk-like, utilizing direct harmonies accompanying long, lyrical vocal lines. Agee's wondrous “Sure on this Shining Night” is set much like a song from the American musical theater, a genre for which I have held a life-long esteem. Rilke's poignant “Voici le soir” recalls the opening bell sounds and jazz-tinged chords of the first movement and serves as an epilogue, quietly concluding this cycle of night songs as darkness descends.
I originally composed "Sure On This Shining Night" as the third movement for my choral cycle "Nocturnes" on poems by Rilke, Neruda and Agee. I set the verse very much like a song from the American musical theater stage and it should be sung in that manner. The first three Nocturnes—"Sa Nuit d’Été" (R.M. Rilke), "Soneto de la Noche" (Pablo Neruda) and "Sure On This Shining Night"—may be performed either separately or as a cycle (in that order and including the Epilogue). The "Epilogue: Voici le soir" is only to be performed if the entire cycle is done, following "Sure On This Shining Night". In that case, the final chord of "Sure On This Shining Night" is held with a fermata and then the chorus begins the Epilogue without a break between these two movements.
--Morten Lauridsen
Research services tailored to your needs
We are always prepared to go the extra mile - from researching different themes, to sourcing difficult to find series and editions, all you have to do is ask!
There's no substitute for experience
With decades of combined experience in the industry, our team can find the exact piece of sheet music you need in whatever quantity you require.
