- for soprano and violin
- |8’| Commissioned by the Glass Clouds Ensemble for Marisa Karchin (soprano) and Raina Arnett (violin)
- Premiere: Fall 2026
- Setting of E. E. Cummings poems
Program Note
I found that these poems by E. E. Cummings evoke the beauty of being present through observing everyday experiences, things, and feelings. Letting go of the past, as well as surrendering control over negative possibilities and embracing the magic of the present moment are interwoven into every aspect of these poems. These aspects have and continue to be a guide for how I try to exist within my life—embracing experiences and attempting to live with no fears. The music I have set these poems to attempts to capture the essence of these moments and the innate qualities of being present. futures obsolete; pasts unborn (Songs on Mindfulness) was commissioned by the Glass Clouds Ensemble for their 2026 Governors Island residency and is dedicated with admiration and gratitude to Marisa Karchin (soprano) and Raina Arnett (violin).
Score TBD
Text by E. E. Cummings
I. futures obsolete; past unborn
life is more true than reason will deceive
(more secret or than madness did reveal)
deeper is life than lose:higher than have
–but beauty is more each than living’s all
multiplied with infinity sans if
the mightiest meditations of mankind
cancelled are by one merely opening leaf
(beyond whose nearness there is no beyond)
or does some littler bird than eyes can learn
look up to silence and completely sing?
futures are obsolete:pasts are unborn
(here less than nothing’s more than everything)
death,as men call him, ends what they call men
-but beauty is more now than dying’s when
II. remember seek (forgetting find)
in time of daffodils(who know
the goal of living is to grow)
forgetting why, remember how
in time of lilacs who proclaim
the aim of waking is to dream,
remember so(forgetting seem)
in time of roses(who amaze
our now and here with paradise)
forgetting if, remember yes
in time of all sweet things beyond
whatever mind may comprehend,
remember seek(forgetting find)
and in a mystery to be
(when time from time shall set us free)
forgetting me, remember me