This Is Thy Hour

This piece may be performed as part of a collection of four Whitman settings under the master title This Is Thy Hour. A majestic opening heralds the hour that unfolds to a rhythmic ostinato that acts as the underpinning for the text of This Is Thy Hour. A plaintive middle section contrasts with legato vocal lines for the text “thee fully forth emerging.” The work concludes revisiting the opening material, and ends with triumphant, homophonic chords before ending with a restatement of the softer middle section, expressing the wonder of that which the poet loves best. Duration: 4:30