It Was Good

A commission from soprano Rachel Hébert as part of a course at Princeton Theological Seminary. This song is an adaptation of the first chapter of Genesis, narrating the creation of the universe from the eyes of the Biblical narrative, beginning with a “Big Bang event” in the piano and ending with God resting from all of the work. While each day of creation is given a distinct musical climate, certain days are thematically linked: days one (light) and four (the sun, moon and stars); days two (the firmament and waters below) and five: (aviary life and sea life); day three (land and vegetation) to six (animals and humans). The work uses chant-like recitative and a lush piano accompaniment that plays an equal role in the storytelling.

Approximate performance time: 7"