My Flight for Heaven

Robert Herrick was born in August 1591 as one of seven children into an affluent London family of goldsmiths. Clergyman and poet, he is well known for such quotes as “tears are the noble language of the eyes” and “who covets more is evermore a slave.”

Of the 17^th century English poets, Herrick's poetry has the closest kinship with music. In shoft, his poety is song-like, lyrical and melodious. “My Flight for Heaven” (To Music, to becalm his Fever) was written about 1660, and reflects Herrick's marriage of music and poetry, both title and application.

At its most basic level, this is a poem of “passage” with music as the embracing catalyst. Memory research says that the last thing a person recognizes is touch and music. Music can distract, quiet the mind, make us laugh, remind us of past experience or relationships, soothe our soul, or transport us to another place.

Poetic interpretations are inherently limited (not in number, but in accuracy) unless given by the poet. Nevertheless, the multiplicity of interpretations in this work is indicative of the poem's greatness. Robert Herrick, often referred to as a “songwriter” poet embraces music as a charm with mystical power to “melt pain” and bring delight and anticipation to the soul's flight to another place. Let that simplicity of thought absorb into each listener's psyche, still the mind and soul long enough in a media driven existence to realize the fragility and purpose of life. And, in so doing, live a life more fulfilling.

Performance Note: The oboe “voice” is the “charm” or incantation elemenl Although “D major” is the general tonal center at the onset and close of the work it is the infusion of the “color” notes, “E♭” and “B♭” that give the work an unsettled (and calming at the same time) mystical element.

About the composer
Please refer to the “composer” tab at the top of this page or go to www.zrstroope.com
for a complete biography and list of works.