Spray

"Spray" is the second song of Lori Laitman's song cycle Mystery. The poetry comes from Sara Teasdale's volume Flame and Shadow of 1920.

The composer's note and one of the audio clips are made possible through a collaboration between the Hampsong Foundation and SongFest. In this audio clip, the performers are Ricardo Rivera, baritone, and Stefanie Watson, piano, and the performance took place at Pepperdine University at SongFest 2010.

Date: 1998Composer: Lori LaitmanText: Sara TeasdaleSong Collection: Mystery

Print vitals & song text

Composer's Note

Mystery, a song cycle for either baritone or mezzo-soprano, sets five poems by American poet Sara Teasdale (1884-1933). Composed for baritone Kurt Ollmann, these poems reflect on love and its enigmas. ‘Spray’ begins violently, with the piano suggesting the crashing of waves. Joining in with rapid declamations, the vocal line then transitions to a calmer reflection on love.”

–Lori Laitman

Text

Spray
by Sara Teasdale

I knew you thought of me all night,
I knew, though you were far away;
I felt your love blow over me
As if a dark wind-riven sea
Drenched me with quivering spray.

There are so many ways to love
And each way has its own delight —
Then be content to come to me
Only as spray the beating sea
Drives inland through the night.

Related Information

Audio

Track:

    Sheet Music

    Mystery (Baritone Version)

    Composer(s): Lori Laitman

    Song(s): 1. Nightfall
    2. Spray
    3. The Kiss
    4. The Mystery
    5. The Rose

    Voice Type: Low

    Buy via Classical Vocal Reprints

    Mystery (Mezzo-Soprano Version)

    Composer(s): Lori Laitman

    Song(s): 1. Nightfall
    2. Spray
    3. The Kiss
    4. The Mystery
    5. The Rose

    Voice Type: Medium

    Buy via Classical Vocal Reprints

    Support us and help us grow

    Dear friends, Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive online archive of American song. Your gift is greatly appreciated.