Inspired by three songs from 24 Italian Songs and Arias, Cut Him Out in Little Stars centers on the evolution of young love: from it’s enchanting openness,to its resulting walls fencing in the pain. The motives lacing the three works are the ocean, the morning to night,and laughter and dancing to tears and stillness. Old Italian folk melodies laced into my own language reflect theantique Italian verse.

TEXT I: THE DANCEDANZA, DANZA, FANCIULLA GENTILE

Dance, dance, young lady to my song, turning
softly and lightly to the sounds of ocean waves.
Do you hear the faint voices of the playful
breeze trying to reach your heart with its
languishing tone? And they invite you to dance
without rest. Dance, dance, young lady to my song!
‍

TEXT II: THE DISTANCECARO MIO BEN

‍My dear one, believe me but this: when you are
far, my heart is torn. And I remain true, a lover
with sighs: pleading the end of this cruel scorn

‍

TEXT III: WHERE ONE CANNOT SEECOME RAGGIO DI SOL

As on the swelling wave in idle motion, gentle
and serene, playful sunbeams are resting, while
in the bosom of the unfathomed ocean,
tempests, are hiding. And so there are many
who feign happiness with outward smiles, while
deep within, in secret chambers, their hearts lie
tormented and covered in silent anguish.