Chaplinesque (2016)

Frederick Frahm (b. 1964) — Chaplinesque (2016) for organ

“We make our meek adjustments,
Contented with such random consolations
As the wind deposits
In slithered and too ample pockets.

For we can still love the world, who find
A famished kitten on the step, and know
Recesses for it from the fury of the street,
Or warm torn elbow coverts.

We will sidestep, and to the final smirk
Dally the doom of that inevitable thumb
That slowly chafes its puckered index toward us,
Facing the dull squint with what innocence
And what surprise!

And yet these fine collapses are not lies
More than the pirouettes of any pliant cane;
Our obsequies are, in a way, no enterprise.
We can evade you, and all else but the heart:
What blame to us if the heart live on.

The game enforces smirks; but we have seen
The moon in lonely alleys make
A grail of laughter of an empty ash can,
And through all sound of gaiety and quest
Have heard a kitten in the wilderness.”

— “Chaplinesque” by Hart Crane (1899–1932)

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

https://fireheadorganworks.com/product/chaplinesque/