My love for the Copland song cycle goes back to my first year in college when I purchased the score; because of their grandiose nature and low range I didn’t have the voice for the majority of them until

recently. Unlike many cycles, most of these songs are not related musically. Instead, Copland chose to honor the integrity of Dickinson’s poems, and to draw out each one’s true meaning with his music.

1. Nature, the gentlest mother

2. There came a wind like a bugle

3. Why do they shut me out of Heaven?

4. The world feels dusty

5. Heart, we will forget him

6. Dear March, come in!

7. Sleep is supposed to be

8. When they come back

9. I felt a funeral in my brain

10. I’ve heard an organ talk sometimes

11. Going to Heaven!

12. The Chariot