The Way of Creation
Betsy Bevan
Song List/Times1. Heartline 3:53
MP3
Heartline was inspired by a dream where my real-life mentor,
cellist-improvisor extraordinaire, David Darling, appeared and gave me
a subtle and profound lesson. The message was for me to be more present
and expressive with every single note played and with every single word
spoken into the world. From that dream I wrote “Heartline” which is
dedicated to David in gratitude for all that he has taught me,
in and out of dreams.
2. One Truth
3. On the River (improvisation)
flute: Mary Knysh
piano: Betsy Bevan
4. The Tree of Time
This piece is accompanied by a tree painting made at the same time
as I was composing the music. The tree is of emerald green, indigo
blue, and yellow ochra-brown and holds a woman upside down in its
trunk, ancient and alive.
5. Refugee Rhythm
(improvisation on a rhythm)
6. Benediction & Prayer
My grandfather was a minister since the age of twelve. My mother directed
our church choir thoughout my youth. Among the first pieces I wrote as an
adolescent were Benedictions and Prayers that the choir sang in church.
The Prayer was written in a time of need for forgiveness.
It is intended as a universal prayer to be received
as pure sound.
7. 2 woman drumming (improvisation)
frame drum: Mary Knysh
dumbek: Betsy Bevan
8. Meadow Grassland
Linwood Meadow
Raingrass
Grandland
Scottish Highland Bagpipes: Peter Watson
For three years I lived on the Gratwick Estate, known as “Linwood”, in
upstate New York. Linwood is a beautiful three hundred acre rolling land
with a healing energy to it. The estate includes old stone gardens,
sculptures, a stone pool, a vast panorama of the Genesee Valley and is
known world-wide for producing exotic tree peonies. In the past, many
artists, musicians, and photographers have visited and been inspired
by the depth of beauty at Linwood. It was very healing for me to be there
and as I composed, looking out into the meadow of tall grass, bent trees,
and great sky, I connected to my ancestors’ land of not so long ago in
Scotland and Wales.
9. Considerable Song of a Wave
I often wake up in the morning with full color images. One morning
I awoke with the words, “Considerable Song of a Wave” which
inspired the writing of this piece.
10. Haiku (improvisation)
cello: Sera Smolen
piano: Betsy Bevan
11. Summersong
12. Heartline 3:53
MP3 Jambalé: Celebration Song
vocals, piano, shaker: Betsy Bevan
Playing the African djembé for the last few years, I fell in love
with the language of the drums and the choral harmonies of
African music. This song is a celebration of life and uses a
sound-word as its title and text.
I hope you will join in with your voice, shaker, drum, or dance
in celebration of yourself and for all of life!
Special gratitude
to the
Music for People organization and
David Darling
for their support
and guidance.
Lots of heartfelt thanks to
Mary Knysh, Sera Smolen,
Peter Watson, Jane Buttars, Barry Goldstein, Gary Skinner, and
Dynamic Recording Studio: Chris Brazener and Jackie Kaspersin
for their contribution to this project, to Carol Gordon, Judy Binder,
Barbara Erbland, JoAnn Alibrandi, Carolee Powers,
and Emily Metcalf for their friendship and support.
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