Let Me Love For A Breath of Ecstasy Michael John Trotta

The final movement from “For a Breath of Ectasy” begins rhythmically as the first movement did. In fact, the writing touches on moods and motives in many of the other six movements, although the text here is a different poem. Yet the movement stands perfectly well on its own, and the poem is sublime: “Oh, let me love with all my strength, careless if I am loved again.” Duration: 4:14 Oboe part included.

7. Let Me Love

Until I lose my soul and lie
Blind to the beauty of the earth,
Deaf though shouting wind goes by,
Dumb in a storm of mirth;

Until my heart is quenched at length
And I have left the land of men,
Oh, let me love with all my strength
Careless if I am loved again.

Each of the movements of For a Breath of Ecstasy chronicles Teasdale’s search for solace amidst life’s many storms. The tapestry of different vocal forces set against the backdrop of Oboe and Strings reveals moments of yearning, love, joy, and peace. Vivid imagery portrays transcendent moments of solace that are revealed in an individual’s relationship to nature and in love. This work draws texts from Love Songs, the anthology of celebrated American poet, Sara Teasdale (18841933), and was commissioned to celebrate the centennial of her winning the first Pulitzer Prize in Poetry in 1918. -Michael John Trotta Duration: 30:27

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