Sic Transit (2014)

for soprano w/ piano accompaniment

 

Sic Transit, Latin for "Thus Passes," is a setting of a poem by Muriel Stuart (1885-1967) by the same title for soprano voice and

piano. "Sic transit" is part of a longer phrase, "Sic transit gloria mundi," which translates to, "Thus passes the glory of the world." This phrase is commonly interpreted as meaning, "Worldly things are fleeting." The text showcases the presence of materialistic greed amongst loved ones in the wake of a woman's death.

Sic Transit by Muriel Stuart (1885-1967)

"What did she leave?" ...
Only these hungry miser-words, poor heart!
Not "Did she love?" "Did she suffer?" "Was she sad
From this green, bright and tossing world to part?"
No word of "Do they miss her? do they grieve?"
Only this wolf-thought for the gold she had...
"What did she leave?"

Premiered on Apr. 9th, 2014 by Sarah Stine, Soprano, and Alethea Khoo, piano