The music and lyrics of Songs of Hope in Strange Times: In Times of Re-Emergence was written during the COVID-19 global pandemic of 2020-onwards and was commissioned by SACRA/PROFANA, directed by Juan Carlos Acosta. The overall song cycle is five movements long, with each movement reflecting on how to find hope and meaning during strange and unknown times of life. In Times of Re-Emergence, the fourth movement of the song cycle, represents a joyful return to one’s life, albeit a cautious return initially, after a prolonged hiatus. The 9/8 meter has a dance-like quality, allowing a lighter mood after the more intense third movement, In Times of Stasis. The overall Strophic form (containing three Verses with the same melody and overall harmonies) allows for the performers and audience alike to relax in the familiarity of the material as it unfolds.
This movement could be performed as a stand-alone piece or as part of the entire Songs of Hope in Strange Times song cycle.
See other movements:
I. In Times of Descent
II. In Times of Hibernation
III. In Times of Stasis
V. In Times of Rising
When light long-darkened begins to
Sneak in, seep in, & sweep in again,
When birds long-silenced begin to start
Winging, mingling, & singing again,
Is it here you dream once more?
When voices long-distanced begin to
Reach out, seek out, & speak out again,
When hope long-dampened begins to start
Growing, floating, and flowing again,
Is it here you imagine the sun once more?
When souls long-downcast begin to start
Coping, hoping, & reopening again,
When you, long-discouraged, begin to start
Searching, preserving, & re-emerging again,
It is here you come alive once more!