The Lily

for voice (any type) and piano (2019)
3 minutes

Text

In English by William Blake:

The modest Rose puts forth a thorn:
The humble Sheep, a threat’ning horn:
While the Lilly white, shall in Love delight
Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.

— William Blake, from Songs of Experience, 1794.

Dedication

Christoph Eschenbach, for his 80th anniversary

First performance

February 25, 2020
Berlin, Germany / Konzerthaus
Matthias Goerne, baritone / Alexander Schmalcz, piano

Pairing suggestions

Samuel Barber: Hermit Songs, Op. 29
Robert Schumann: Liederkreis
Benjamin Britten: The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Songs of Travel

Access

Available for purchase.
Contact Nicolas Farmer: nicolas.farmer(a)samymoussa.com