Movements:
I. I Said to Love
II. Hap
III. Between Us Now

Program Notes:

The poetry of Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) has been captivating for me to set, because I'm intrigued and moved by the deptho of language and meaning in his work. As a composer, I'm inspired by texts that are both rich with imagery and sonically pleasing--and for me, Hardy's poetry balances these qualities in a delightfully eloquent way.

All Else Above is a setting of three Thomas Hardy poems, each of which revolves around love. "I Said to Love" questions love: considering how love has changed over time, the disillusionment of love, and eventually the denial of love. My setting of “Hap” expresses a cold and abrasive tone as the text conveys the pain of lost love and how unjust the randomness of life is. “Between Us Now” is the culminating movement of the cycle, voicing a hopeful view of love, connection, and fulfillment.

Though “Between Us Now” was composed in 2015, the entire cycle was commissioned and premiered by the Amity Trio in 2021. The mission of the Amity Trio is to support and foster the development of new works by composers from underrepresented groups. For more information visit: www.amitytrio.com.