The Gift
for choir

Program Note

Acquainted with the Night was composed for Grammy-winning soprano Estelí Gomez for her residency at the University of Oregon in Fall 2019. The piece is based on Robert Frost's poem of the same title. 

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Acquainted with the Night

by Robert Frost

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I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain—and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
One luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.

Listen​

Performed by Estelí Gomez, Elizabeth Frazier, and Joanne S. Na