Written in the winter of 2017.  Performed by the Momenta Quartet.

Face the Wind

Started in the Spring of 2018, this song cycle responds to the endless stream of school shootings that scar the people of the US.  The music and words for the middle song, "Looking Up," came to me all at once as a culmination of all my frustrations with the growing trend.  Special thanks to mezzo soprano Caroline Olsen and pianist Andrew Goodridge for their hard work on the recording.

I. Raindrop Drums with lyrics from Mary Carolyn Davies' "Drums of the Rain," Hilda Conkling's "Fairies," and Fannie Stearns Davis' "Evening Song."
II. Looking Up with lyrics by William Hawkins
III. Curling Grass with lyrics from Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" arranged by William Hawkins.

Looking Up Song Cycle

Originally composed in 2017 at the Atlantic Music Festival, Runaway is a narrative piece running through moments of loneliness, exhilaration, and the joy of freedom. The new version includes better tempos and more practical writing. Dedicated to the cellist who helped me workshop the piece: Diana Yusupov. Midi recording made possible by NotePerformer.

W.E. Hawkins