Opening Night at the Bach

Dialogues commence, 

As lights dim, 

anticipation grows within. 

Buzz of violins sets stage

for our Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Grete greets us, 

invites us to play our role, 

enter inner dialogue, 

As she turns and becomes 

an electric wave—her whole body 

synergizes stage, 

sending signal to strings, 

magical flutes, timpani to 

define counterpoint. 

Stage framed by double basses 

speak every phrase, 

allowing space for 

fairies and lovers 

from forest to engage. 

Pivot to Picasso’s sketch of 

Stravinsky—his eyes bulging, 

belie sweetness of his 

Serenata of flutes and oboe, 

soothing us in symphonic suite, 

while Pulcinella plucks at our hearts 

from Commedia dell'arte, 

For final act, 

Kyrie eleisons erupt 

under vaulted ceiling, 

as choir carries us to 

Hosannas in Hayden’s mass. 

Baritone Dashon, so dashing in 

his solo accompanied by 

glowing sopranos and tenor, 

weave in and out of choral 

assembly with thundering brass. 

Who knew we’d swoon 

over bassoon? Grete 

cascades into culminating 

crescendo, careening us to final curtain call—

Dona nobis pacem, 

a call for PEACE for all. 

May pax be our sustaining note 

we carry in our throats. 

Pax, pax, pacem, a fitting refrain for our days— 

Harmonie—a plea for more harmony.