Song and Silence

The lyricism, haunting perspectives, and vivid visual imagery of American poet Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) have made her poetry a favorite among vocal music composers. The themes of “silence” and “song” appear in many of her poems, many of which express her struggle against societal expectations of women and her wish that her voice be heard. A close friend of poet Vachel Lindsay, Teasdale wrote more than seven books of poetry during her relatively short lifetime. These songs can be performed as a set, in any order, or individually.