Where Once Poe Walked
for mixed choir (SATB) + optional chimes
words by H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937)
Difficulty: Advanced
Since I've been a lifelong fan of horror fiction and dark fantasy, I was thrilled to come across a poem with ties to two of these genres' most influential figures (Poe and Lovecraft). Lovecraft's acrostic sonnet on the name "Edgar Allan Poe" evokes a richly creepy atmosphere, and, given my background in film score composition, I couldn't resist bringing it to life with music.
To me, the best horror stories and films are focused on slowly building atmosphere and tension (rather than jump scares), and I took a similar approach when composing this piece. The resulting music is cinematic in character and scope--not something people usually expect when going to a choral concert, but (hopefully) a welcome surprise.
Since I've been a lifelong fan of horror fiction and dark fantasy, I was thrilled to come across a poem with ties to two of these genres' most influential figures (Poe and Lovecraft). Lovecraft's acrostic sonnet on the name "Edgar Allan Poe" evokes a richly creepy atmosphere, and, given my background in film score composition, I couldn't resist bringing it to life with music.
To me, the best horror stories and films are focused on slowly building atmosphere and tension (rather than jump scares), and I took a similar approach when composing this piece. The resulting music is cinematic in character and scope--not something people usually expect when going to a choral concert, but (hopefully) a welcome surprise.