Paul Smith: On History from A New World

Paul Smith: On History from A New World

A New World is a musical story across five movements with texts by authors from Cicero and Ovid to George William Russel; from nursery rhymes to war poets.

The music and texts link to form a narrative that questions what sort of ‘New Worlds’ have come into existence, or could be created in our future, and considers how we balance human traits of fear, displacement, isolation and conflict with equally human traits of love, hope, forgiveness and unity.

1. On History
An opening movement for SATB choir, piano and timpani (with solos for soprano, tenor and alto). A calm opening leads to a dramatic conclusion with text by Cicero and Ovid in praise and recognition of their homeland.