Gemstones

The author of the text for this choral, S. Frances Harrison, was a Canadian poet and composer writing at the turn of the 20th century. Two gemstone poems contrast each other beautifully: In “Amethyst,” we explore a mysterious sense of wonder driven by the opening motif. The piece expands and contracts with the text, coming to a climax with the strength of the “field of fire” section, ultimately giving way to a scintillating final chord. “Chrysoprase” embodies pure joy at the discovery of a new colour, with excitement building with each repetition of the melody. This energy drives the piece, diving into a world of enchantment.