Daniel Elder - "I Love You"
"I Love You" by Daniel Elder
Music Copyright ©2019 Daniel Elder
Recording Copyright ©2022 Rodney Wynkoop
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Commissioned by the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Durham (NC), conducted by Rodney Wynkoop, in honor of the 25th anniversary of their founding. World premiere performance and recording June 12, 2022.
The concept of "I Love You" shares inspiration with one of the broadest genres in music: love songs. Its scope, however, extends far beyond the typical serenade, instead delving into the deep truths of unconditional love. More subtle than flattery, more infinite than romance, this concept embraces the profound acceptance of another; an allowance and admiration of the beloved being their true self. This limitless acceptance encompasses all times; past, present, and future, and thus the composer’s original text is laid out in three lines—each of which represent a different phase of growth, and each of which is for itself accepted and admired. The chronological progression from past to present to future further outlines the continual forward growth of a lifetime. These words illuminate the true full range of a person—their strengths, their faults, their missteps, their lessons, and their triumphs—and show us the almost divine quality in a lover who unquestioningly embraces it all. Tenderly set with tapestry-like interwoven harmonies supporting the flow of gentle, lyrical imitation, "I Love You" is the serenade of this unconditional lover, to the unconditionally beloved.
"I love who you thought you were.
I love who you now feel you are.
I love who you don't even know you'll be."
(D. Elder)