Notes:
Inspired by the mystery that surrounded the life of naturalist
and writer Opal Whiteley (1897-1992), composer Abbie Betinis has produced
this five-movement song cycle which draws upon Betinis’s ready lyric
gift, as well as her indebtedness to French impressionism. The
Prayer Wind is the third movement of the cycle. Completed in November
of 2004, single movements of this 12-minute song cycle have been performed
in Paris, New York, California, and the entire cycle performed extensively
around the Midwest.
Text:
III. The Prayer Wind
There was quiet in the garden,
Save for the music
From the harp of stars,
When to its playing
Came the Prayer Wind
Wearing rose petal slippers
And twining for-get-me-nots
In her hair.
There was quiet in the garden
While the Prayer Wind
Dropped her for-get-me-nots
From twining in her hair.
They fell to earth
With the low sweet notes
From the harp of stars
They gently drifted down
And homes were gladder that day -
Nobody knew why, only
There were more blue-eyed children.
Opal Whiteley (1897-1992)
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