2 flutes1 oboe1 English horn2 clarinets in A2 bassoons2 horns in F1 harptimpani (A, E, B, D)trianglesuspended cymbalsorchestra bellsvibraphonewind chimeschimesstringssolo voice (soprano, mezzo soprano, tenor)

This piece is a setting of Robert Frost's beloved classic poem "Stopping by Woods on a SnowyEvening." While rich in elegant and quaint winter imagery, the poem is deeply contemplative. Thefinal stanza reveals that the woods represent the allure of death to the weary traveler. This pieceattempts to capture the delicate stillness of Frost's imagery in the orchestral colors while alsocapturing a sense of desperation and contemplation.Whose woods these are I think I know.His house is in the village though;He will not see me stopping hereTo watch his woods fill up with snow.My little horse must think it queerTo stop without a farmhouse nearBetween the woods and frozen lakeThe darkest evening of the year.He gives his harness bells a shakeTo ask if there is some mistake.The only other sound’s the sweepOf easy wind and downy flake.The woods are lovely, dark and deep,But I have promises to keep,And miles to go before I sleep,And miles to go before I sleep.