SONG FOR MOTHER GAIA
by FRANK DUARTE ARR. KAITLIN BOVE
*FOR FLEX BAND*

Grade 3.5 | 3:00 | © 2021/2019

While perusing for a set of poems, I stumbled upon “June Night” by Sara Teasdale. Like most of Sara’s poetry, this poem has a solemnity to it. Immediately, upon reading her poetry, three words came to mind: solitude, sincerity, and love.

I adapted the poem into the following text:

Oh, Earth you are too dear tonight,
How can I sleep, while all around
Floats rainy fragrance and the far
Deep voice of the ocean that talks to the ground?

Oh Earth, you gave me all I have, I love you, Earth.

This adapted text resulted in Song for Mother Gaia, which is just that – a song for Earth, showcasing my love for our beautiful planet. I have always loved nature, and part of that love, I believe, comes from the fact that some form of it has always surrounded me. This composition explores many different colors that mimic a beautiful transient moment of daydreaming, appreciating the wonders and beauty of what I call this huge green planet, home.

Recorded in April 2021 by the Texas Tech University Band and Lisa Tatum.