Morning Song sets a poem by the prolific American poet Sara Teasdale and explores themes of loneliness. There is something ironic about how universal the feeling of “loneliness” is, but I find it somewhat comforting that I am not alone when I do feel lonely. Teasdale struggled with depression during her lifetime, but despite having a tumultuous and troubled life, I find that a consistent theme in Teasdale’s work is one of hope.

I think about Stephen Sondheim’s “Finishing the Hat” from Sunday in the Park with George. In the show, George is left alone by his partner, Dot, and although frustrated, George finds peace and solace as he explores the world of a hat. In this text, she compares herself to the lonely white moon and in their loneliness, they are able to travel the world. For Teasdale, she was able to transform her solitude into countless poems that have inspired generations of composers and singers.

This piece was named the winner of the 2023 Syracuse University Gregg Smith Choral Composition Contest and was premiered by the Syracuse University Singers in April 2024.