The Salutation

Each of the three movements for alto flute solo ("Abyss", "Awakening", and "Apparition") is inspired by the essence of each of those three stanzas from "The Salutation," by English poet Thomas Traherne (circa 1637-1674). This is a revised version after three performances following its debut in Kitami, Taiwan, Shimonoseki and Tokyo. This work is dedicated to the flutist Takanori Yamane.

"The Salutation" is found on CD: NUN [Phasma-Music 069] (Iwona Glinka, alto flute).

In addition, this piece is based on "The Salutation" for chamber choir, accordion, tuba and harp, composed in 2003.

           The Salutation [excerpt]

                                                    Thomas Traherne

These little Limbs,

   These Eys and Hands which here I find,

This panting Heart wherwith my Life begins;

   Where have ye been? Behind

What Curtain were ye from me hid so long!

Where was, in what Abyss, my new-made Tongue?

        From Dust I rise

   And out of Nothing now awake;

These brighter Regions which salute mine Eyes

   A Gift from God I take:

The Earth, the Seas, the Light, the lofty Skies,

The Sun and Stars are mine; if these I prize.

        A Stranger here,

   Strange things doth meet, strange Glory see,

Strange Treasures lodg'd in this fair World appear,

   Strange all and New to me:

But that they mine should be who Nothing was,

That Strangest is of all; yet brought to pass.

First performances:

October 6, 2013

"The 3rd Okhotsk Flute Ensemble Concert" in Kitami, Hokkaido

December 7, 2013

"Christophe Chevance Exhibition" at Yo Cafe in Chiayi, Taiwan

February 9, 2014

Takanori Yamane Flute Recital "The Salutation" at Artists Salon "Dolce"

Takanori Yamane, alto flute