Autograph musical sketch showing rhythmic contour above a single-line staff marked with measure lines. 117 x 278 mm.
Together with photographic colour copy of a graphic sketch of the contrapuntal and rhythmic progression of the “Bind me” section, with poem by Wallace Stevens in manuscript below. 280 x 430 mm.
Autograph musical sketch showing rhythmic contour above a single-line staff marked with measure lines. 117 x 278 mm.
All worn and creased; some staining; edges frayed and with some tears.
“The music opens with a short introduction, which encodes the complete Dickinson poem such that there is a chord, note, or motive for each word of her poem. This is followed by an aggressive and percussive section (“Bind me — “), where playful pizzicato escapades fire up ardently and then ebb down into the third section (“I can still sing — “), which is elegant and lyrical. Here, beautiful lines are sung by duos. The fourth section (“Banish — my mandolin, Strikes true within — Slay — “) is determined, energetic. It is at times animated as well as bold, brash and punchy and you will hear Emily Dickinson’s mandolin. The fifth section (“and my Soul shall rise, Chanting to Paradise — Still thine.”) is sublime elevated earnest. The coda recalls the perfume of the third section and gently closes the piece with mellifluous, glowing, and shimmering music.” The composer’s program notes.
J & J Lubrano Music Antiquarians 