The History of Red

Last night I was very fortunate to hear the world premier of The History of Red, composed by Reena Esmail. This was at the Santa Fe Pro Musica at the Lensic. It sets Linda Hogan’s poem of the same name for solo soprano and instruments.

I have always loved Chickasaw poet Linda Hogan’s work. This particular poem is dazzling. Its metaphor of red is never reductive but compels the reader.

First
there was some order of things
never spoken
but in dreams of darkest creation.

Soprano Kathryn Mueller, the instigator of the project, has a voice that transported me. I also couldn’t help but admire the brilliant red accessories she was wearing.

This life in fire, I love it.
I want it,
this life.

For the complete poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/55705/the-history-of-red