I am Ezra (2021)

Frederick Frahm (b. 1964) — I am Ezra (2021) for organ

So I said I am Ezra
and the wind whipped my throat
gaming for the sounds of my voice
I listened to the wind
go over my head and up into the night
Turning to the sea I said
I am Ezra
but there were no echoes from the waves
The words were swallowed up
in the voice of the surf
or leaping over the swells
lost themselves oceanward
Over the bleached and broken fields
I moved my feet and turning from the wind
that ripped sheets of sand
from the beach and threw them
like seamists across the dunes
swayed as if the wind were taking me away
and said
I am Ezra
As a word too much repeated
falls out of being
so I Ezra went out into the night
like a drift of sand
and splashed among the windy oats
that clutch the dunes
of unremembered seas

"Ommeateum", No. 1 (1955)
A. R. Ammons (1926–2001)

Frederick Frahm (b. 1964) was born in Hemet, California and was educated at Pacific Lutheran University. As a professional church musician for more than 35 years, he served parishes across the country, including more than 10 years as Director of Music at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a composer, Frahm has written numerous works in many genres, including chamber opera and cantatas. His work appears in the catalog of more than dozen publishers. As a performer, he has appeared in organ recitals across the country and as organist and harpsichordist for the New Mexico Philharmonic and Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra. Frahm has been active as a teaching composer-artist for the Santa Fe Opera company, working with elementary and middle school age children to write their own chamber operas for public performance.

Published by Firehead Editions

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