Motet Notes - Harbison

In her poem Pietá, from her fourth book of poems, Descending Figure, Louise Glück daringly describes Mary’s state of mind at the moment she gives birth to the Savior. She is depicted as Mother of Sorrows, aware of the future, in a shadowed Nativity scene. We might be reminded of the portent introduced into the meeting between Mary and Joseph with the blessed Simeon—(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also).  
       
This Advent meditation is dedicated to my dear friend John Heiss and longtime friend of Emmanuel Music, and in the memory of his son, Frank.

Emmanuel Music is forever grateful for the long relationship with John Harbison  and his many artistic gifts.

Pietá, permission pending from The Wylie Agency