Four Basho Settings (2002)
For mixed SSAA youth choir
Texts by Basho
Commissioned by the Friends of Farnham Youth Choir
Approximate Duration 6-7 minutes
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Program Note by the Composer
This work is dedicated with love to my mother.
The composer wishes to extend special admiration and gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Klatt for their kindness and support.
Haiku by Matsuo Basho
I. Skylark
Skylark on moor
sweet song
of non-attachment.
Spring moon -
flower face
in mist.
Skylark sings all
day, and day
not long enough.
II. Cuckoo
Cuckoo -
sing, fly, sing,
then start again.
Old pond,
leap - splash -
a frog.
Beyond waves,
reaching far, the
cuckoo's song.
III. Butterfly
Wake, butterfly
it's late, we've miles
to go together.
IV. Dawn Flowers
While moon sets
atop the trees,
leaves cling to rain.
Fading bells -
now musky blossoms
peal in dusk.
How I long to see
among dawn flowers,
the face of God.
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