25 October 2012
“Adams’ Harmonium” with Minnesota Chorale at Minnesota Orchestra
Since the rehearsal process on this project extends over a few months, and since the process is sometimes as powerful as the actual concerts, which may or may not happen with the impending strike of Minnesota Orchestra, I thought that I’d start documenting the experience.
To start, here’s the first of three texts John Adams used:
Negative Love or The Nothing
I never stoop’d so low, as they
Which on an eye, cheek, lip can prey.
Seldom to them, which soar no higher
Than virtue or the mind to admire.
For sense, and understanding may
Know what gives fuel to their fire:
My love, though silly, is more brave,
For may I miss, when’er I crave,
If I know yet, what I would have.
If that be simply perfectest
Which can by no way be express’d
But Negatives, my love is so.
To All, which all love, I say no.
If any who deciphers best,
What we know not, our selves, can know,
Let him teach me that nothing; this
As yet my ease and comfort is,
Though I speed not, I cannot miss.
– John Donne