Can You Hear Me?

double choir SATB a cappella
5:49 approx.

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Although the question Can You Hear Me? may be perceived as ableist, it is not meant to be so in this work. The use of sound and hearing is less the physical act of hearing itself. Instead, Divya writes “the entire lyrics uses sound and its loudness as a representation of our passions and beliefs, and how its volume numbs our ability to empathize.” Can You Hear Me? can be interpreted as “do you recognize and acknowledge my point of view?”

When I was asked to write a companion “motet” to Bach’s Singet Dem Herrn ein neues Lied, I wanted to write a piece that addresses today’s polarized society. We live in an escalating world, increasingly more difficult to have conversation; the counterpoint– an homage to Bach as well as a representation of how these opposing sides (lines) can work together towards a common goal. The mounting social unrest has also made way for a renaissance in social activism through music, perhaps being the neues lied that we sing today.

Can You Hear Me? is co-commissioned by the Amherst College Choral Society and the Kaleidoscope Vocal Ensemble – Arianne Abela, artistic director.

Can You Hear Me?
Divya Maus

This is my ground,
The earth I know,
The sky beyond,
My territory. 

This is my world,
And though I see
That you are there,
You come too close to me. 

Your voice is loud,
Your heart beats wild and proud.
So strong you drown me out, I must
Be louder
Shout until
Both our ears are ringing,
And we hear nothing.
And we hear nothing. 

This is my path;
It only fits one pair of feet.
This is my tale;
You must be a villain here. 

This is my life,
And you don’t see that it’s at stake.
You raise your fists
As if your fear has the same weight. 

My faith is proud,
It knows no shade nor cloud.
No room to bend, I will defend and
Be louder.
We shout until
Both our ears are ringing,
And we hear nothing.
And we hear nothing.
I hear nothing. 

Do you hear me?
Can you hear me?