by Anthony O’Toole (Grade 4, 4:15)

Longing began as a choral piece based on the poem of the same name by British poet Matthew Arnold. In 2012, I took the choral work and expanded the material to create this work for band. Longing is a beautiful lyrical work depicting the feelings most all have dealt with in their search for love and companionship. When reading the poetry, the reader can imagine a person so desperately in love that it’s all they can think about, but there is a feeling that this love is not meant to be and that it exists only in their mind. The piece creates a very lush and dreamy soundscape but in the end leaves the listener wanting more. Longing was premiered by the University of Portland Wind Symphony, Patrick Murphy conductor in October 2012.
 
LONGING – Matthew Arnold
Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again.
For then the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.
Come, as thou cam’st a thousand times,
A messenger from radiant climes,
And smile on thy new world, and be
As kind to others as to me.
Or, as thou never cam’st in sooth,
Come now, and let me dream it truth.
And part my hair, and kiss my brow,
And say–My love! why sufferest thou?
Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again.
For then the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.