Keith Lay has been called "a composer to watch for" by the New York Times. He is an Orlando composer receiving a premiere of a recent work for large chorus and orchestra at the Bach Festival (Download the 2007 Concert Season Brochure) in Winter Park this October 27 and 28th called "Vision of the Earth".
He set the text of an obscure poet, Frank Townshend which he found in a used bookstore in Winter Park many years ago. But, the work isn't about him, really. It's about the poem.
Here are the first few stanzas of the poem:
I See a new Earth;
An Earth that is alive – glowing with the care of man’
Man grown wise and free.
The influence of different civilizations flows evenly around;
Races and nations and sexes understand each other,
Endue each other with life.
Invisible threads of sympathy cover the earth;
Science and religion, art and industry, are one in truth;
The motive of every act is love.
From the composer: "There are 28 stanzas in total. The poem goes on and on describing a vision of Man's future: one that is built on a well educated, free, loving and industrious citizens. His visionary society finds our priorities centering around taking care of the earth, living in harmony with our surroundings, family, knowledge. Especially now, facing global warming and governmental abuse of power across our planet - this poem is a beacon of hope - something to believe in, even if it would not occur for many lifetimes."
The Bach Festival, in partnership with Full Sail, is producing a podcast in October 2007. Bookmark this page for details.
He set the text of an obscure poet, Frank Townshend which he found in a used bookstore in Winter Park many years ago. But, the work isn't about him, really. It's about the poem.
Here are the first few stanzas of the poem:
I See a new Earth;
An Earth that is alive – glowing with the care of man’
Man grown wise and free.
The influence of different civilizations flows evenly around;
Races and nations and sexes understand each other,
Endue each other with life.
Invisible threads of sympathy cover the earth;
Science and religion, art and industry, are one in truth;
The motive of every act is love.
From the composer: "There are 28 stanzas in total. The poem goes on and on describing a vision of Man's future: one that is built on a well educated, free, loving and industrious citizens. His visionary society finds our priorities centering around taking care of the earth, living in harmony with our surroundings, family, knowledge. Especially now, facing global warming and governmental abuse of power across our planet - this poem is a beacon of hope - something to believe in, even if it would not occur for many lifetimes."
The Bach Festival, in partnership with Full Sail, is producing a podcast in October 2007. Bookmark this page for details.