Ode to a Bass

Not much more to say about this one - I wrote it in memory of a friend I used to sing with, Gerald. It follows a loose structure that is far more narrative than usual, and came to me more or less complete in one draft.

Ode to a Bass

(for Gerald Clarke)

Listening to a recording –

A proud moment, included

Not patronised.

Last December’s concert;

Its significance overcoming

The low quality, interrupted

Sound, someone coughs,

Rustles a programme –

The introduction is over,

The sopranos fade, a moment’s quiet;

The men’s entry.

Rich, roiling, deep yet pure,

An unmistakeable sound.

The choir joins, blends in,

Building and building,

Crescendos increase,

Peaking,

The final chord rings out,

Filling my head, as it filled the church,

Notes conjuring a scene.

Supporting it all, the Bass

Deep and true, resounding,

Resounding, the walls themselves

Rebounding the sound,

Triumphant, exulting,

Then silence.