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for solo voice, mixed chorus (SSAATTBB), and piano
“Follow the Rose” was composed for and commissioned by Syd West, a friend and remarkable baritone vocalist based in Kalamazoo, MI. Together, we ideated a contemporary-classical project exploring transness and collaborated on lyrics. This piece is very close to my heart, not only for its themes or collaborative nature, but also because the creative process occurred at an important point in my own transition. It was premiered at my undergraduate senior recital for composition/voice on March 30, 2024, and later performed by Syd at various events. Given the context of the work, we ask that it only be programed with trans+ soloists.
In my dreams / I am home / and I know you more truly, //
but I wake and remember / I’m alone with a stranger / whose eyes dissect me as I look in the mirror.
So follow the rose, / its stem, / to the ground. / Follow the road; / let go.
Floating in a sea of bodies / with thousands of eyes and faces, / numb as I drift through spaces, / never truly there, / searching for parts and pieces / to make myself whole. //
What are we looking for / as we look in the mirror? / If I close my eyes, / Will it be clear?
Follow the rose, / its stem, / to the ground. / Follow the soul; / reform. //
Follow the rose /and bloom. / Burst forth and thrive. / I’ll reshape my skin and bone, / build a home, //
and find myself within a dream / in my life / where I’m exactly as I am.
After placing your order, you will receive a secure link to the full score PDF file lasting 24 hours after the first download. For performance and print inquiries, please contact me at jadiereevesmusic@gmail.com.
for solo voice, mixed chorus (SSAATTBB), and piano
“Follow the Rose” was composed for and commissioned by Syd West, a friend and remarkable baritone vocalist based in Kalamazoo, MI. Together, we ideated a contemporary-classical project exploring transness and collaborated on lyrics. This piece is very close to my heart, not only for its themes or collaborative nature, but also because the creative process occurred at an important point in my own transition. It was premiered at my undergraduate senior recital for composition/voice on March 30, 2024, and later performed by Syd at various events. Given the context of the work, we ask that it only be programed with trans+ soloists.
In my dreams / I am home / and I know you more truly, //
but I wake and remember / I’m alone with a stranger / whose eyes dissect me as I look in the mirror.
So follow the rose, / its stem, / to the ground. / Follow the road; / let go.
Floating in a sea of bodies / with thousands of eyes and faces, / numb as I drift through spaces, / never truly there, / searching for parts and pieces / to make myself whole. //
What are we looking for / as we look in the mirror? / If I close my eyes, / Will it be clear?
Follow the rose, / its stem, / to the ground. / Follow the soul; / reform. //
Follow the rose /and bloom. / Burst forth and thrive. / I’ll reshape my skin and bone, / build a home, //
and find myself within a dream / in my life / where I’m exactly as I am.
After placing your order, you will receive a secure link to the full score PDF file lasting 24 hours after the first download. For performance and print inquiries, please contact me at jadiereevesmusic@gmail.com.