Dreamweaver for Choir and String Orchestra

Dreamweaver draws its inspiration from the medieval Norwegian poem Draumkvedet (Song of Longing, Dreams, Night Visions). The lyricist explains his approach to translating and interpreting the poem: "Draumkvedet" is a dense and enigmatic text, full of mysticism and puzzling images. My task was to translate this poem into English in such a way that it makes sense as a choral work while retaining the flavour and integrity of the original.’ /…/ I chose to retain the original religious narrative, but refine the final message. The next task was to select a style. I wanted it to sound ancient and vaguely Northern European, so I opted for a variety of archaic styles./…/ The short, fragmented verses with which the Song of Dreams begins end with a similar declarative statement. The next three verses imitate the Anglo-Saxon structure, incorporating divided lines and internal rhymes. This style is more grandiose and suitable for the intended audience. Throughout the text, I have borrowed words and phrases from various sources, including sacred writings, Shakespeare and Tolkien, and I have retained many images from the original text. Finally, I returned to the original motif of the dream song and the return of the bard's voice...' (Charles Anthony Silvestri, 2012).