Clouds Ephemeral

• Multiple texts layering scientific & poetic perspectives
• Mixed chorus, 6-part divisi
• Moderately Challenging (auditioned collegiate or community chorus)
• Duration: ca. 5.5 min.

Like clouds, the harmony in “Clouds Ephemeral” shifts in and out of clear forms, simultaneously in constant motion yet almost still.  The rhythm also embodies this nebulous quality, constantly changing meter throughout most of the piece.  It sets three texts—scientific names of clouds are heard throughout, while cloud definitions layer underneath, chant-like in the lower voices. An original poem layers over the cloud names, in a slow, graceful melody sung by the treble voices.  Clouds Ephemeral was commissioned by The Esoterics, with founding director Eric Banks, as a result of winning their 2014-2015 POLYPHONOS Composition Competition in the National Composer category.