Winter's Journey

A post-recital reflection for Dr. Kevin McMillan

Through the cold and dreariness of January’s ebbing tally

We came from here and there in winter-tired Valley

For concert that would light deep embers

As singer beguiled us to remember

Our own dark paths and muddy ways

And singing, clad these ghosts from olden days.

It was not what some might desire—

A pleasant song, by cozy fire---

Nay, thickly drenched in Germanic sprecht

Poignant notes wound into ways untrekked

For days or years with no known tag    

Enlivened now by mighty operatic signal flag.*

Captive, all knew fresh old pain

But with the knowledge also gained

A way to put their story right

In song of beauty, deep insight

Sung by a man who knew it too

And sang his song for me, for you.

How can a tragedy thus sung

Be called “success” when wildly flung

With flashing eye and sweating brow

As wild applause required a bow?

Perhaps success of doleful story

Finds hint in ending group amore.

                     

*From nautical signal flag, one of an international code of flag signals used between ships

© 2011 Nancy Gerst

Dr. Kevin McMillan, Faculty Recital on Jan. 30, 2011

Forbes Recital Hall

James Madison University School of Music

WINTERREISSE Song Cycle of Franz Schubert