Lacrimosa

for Soprano and Piano

I wrote this setting of the traditional lacrimosa text for my good friend Mary Claire Curran.  I wanted to write something that would take advantage of her lush and smooth voice.  Traditionally many lacrimosas are dark and in a minor key for the entirety of the piece.  I decided that there is another way to interpret this text and so at the words "Pie Jesu Domine" the music reaches a turning point towards light and hope.  Ultimately death is a natural part of the cycle of life and I think it is appropriate  to write a piece that celebrates life rather than mourning death.