Ojalá

Ojalá was commissioned by Supertonic director Isaac Stone in 2018 along with two other works, each setting a poem by George Eliot. The original composition is a longer work of around 4'30'', however the recording seen here is a shortened version that was re-worked by commission of Tawa College for the Big Sing.

Using the words of Eliot's 'Spring Comes Hither', Ojalá  finishes the set of three pieces with hope. The Spanish word, ojalá, meaning ‘hopefully,’ or in some cases, ‘if God is willing,’ was the thread from which the rest of the piece flowed. The beginning of this piece is like the thawing of a heavy winter as spring appears to bring new hope and new life. Although each season comes and goes, the poem reads like a prayer of hope. As the season changes, the birds begin a new journey and “take wing o’er the waves.” The song finally arrives to celebrate the freedom beneath their wings.