2: "Solace"

Poem by Clarissa Scott Delany (1901-1927)

By observing Nature and the gentle changing of the seasons, we gain perspective. We see the leaves grow dark and heavy, until they fall to the ground and paint the streets with gold. Even during times of great distress, Nature reminds us that even the lashing of the wind and rain in Spring will not fell a mighty tree. And with this knowledge, we are able to “take meaning from all turmoil” and find some peace—“a serenity that knows no pain.”


The emotions and reactions embodied herein are: meditative, vibrant, emphatic, intense, realization, understanding, sweetness, gentleness, peace, and trust.

Lyrics:
My window opens out into the trees
And in that small space of branches and of sky
I see the seasons pass, behold the tender green give way to darker heavier leaves. 

The glory of the autumn comes when steeped in mellow sunlight.
The fragile, golden leaves against a clear blue sky linger in the magic of the afternoon, 
Then reluctantly break off and filter down to pave a street with gold.

[My window opens out into the trees; 
I see the seasons pass...]
Then bare, gray branches lift themselves against the cold December sky,
Sometimes weaving a web across the rose and dusk of late sunset,
Sometimes against a frail new moon and one bright star, 
Riding a sky of that dark, living blue,
Which comes before the heaviness of night descends or the stars have powdered the heavens. 

Winds beat against these trees; 
The cold, but gentle rain of spring Touches them lightly.
The summer torrents strive to lash them into a fury 
And seek to break them—
But they stand. 

My life is fevered; 
And a restlessness at times, 
(an agony—a vague and baffling discontent),
Possesses me, [Possesses me!]

I am thankful for my bit of sky and trees, and for the shifting Pageant of the seasons. 
Such beauty lays upon the heart a quiet. 
Such eternal change and permanence Take meaning from all turmoil, 
And leave serenity 
Which knows no pain.

2: "Solace" (MIDI)

Sarah Wallin Huff has enjoyed her work as a composer for concert halls and soundtrack work since 1993. Her original compositions have been performed throughout the States and abroad, including the Exeter Phoenix Auditorium in Devon, England; the Mosman Art Gallery in Sydney, Australia; the Zipper Hall in Los Angeles; and the National Opera Center in New York City. As a violinist, violist, and 6-string electric violinist, she has extensive experience playing with diverse ensembles, as well as performing on various recording projects, large and small.
- Multiple GMA medal award winner
- "Her music positively buzzes with energy…There is no doubting that Sarah Wallin Huff has a distinctive voice that is well worth hearing..." (Fanfare Magazine)
- "Her music is quite complex and unusual and yet…very easy to absorb and appreciate. There’s a lot to take in here…" (Baby Sue)
- "Sarah’s music has a classy, understated sound, yet it is baroque and ornate" (Artist Rack)