From Spring Days to Winter

The poem From Spring Days to Winter is by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) and speaks about a loved one symbolized by the season of spring. She is described as a perfect vision of delight, a glad dove that has golden wings. But upon her unexpected death, the season has, in effect, turned to winter and she is now described as a dove with broken wings. This is expressed musically when the joyful mood suddenly becomes hushed and melancholy. However, the last line of the poem conveys hope amidst grief, “Fond Dove, fond Dove return again!” and expresses a longing that the bereaved mate might again someday experience a restoration of former feelings of joy.

Commissioned by Ken Miller and the Eastern New Mexico Chamber Singers

Finalist in the 2019-2020 American Prize Competition