This piece (for SATB choir a cappella) explores the strong progressions from darkness to brightness and from restriction to expansion in Emily Dickinson’s poem, ‘From the Chrysalis’ . Tightly spaced lines and dark harmonic clusters attempt to emulate the constriction of a cocoon at the beginning. The chrysalis gradually opens to reveal the boundless sky and meadows in the form of resonant chords, soaring lines and modes which radiate the refreshing colours of spring.

This extended excerpt was performed by Somnium Chamber Choir at The Holy Name Church in Manchester on 5 May 2023.