Zachary Bell Music

Tie Me to the Mast

Instrumentation: treble choir (SSAA) and piano

Duration: 5 minutes

Tie Me to the Mast

Tie Me to the Mast is a 5 minute work in three movements for treble choir and piano. The piece was written for the Peabody Camerata under the direction of Beth Willer and was recorded by the ensemble in 2023.

In Movement 1 I set the text of Ovid, which brings forth the idea of Venus’ touch affecting all. Although she does not inspire love out of kindness, she does not do so out of malevolence either. It is not in our control when or how we might experience love, but it is a remarkable and integral part of life. Regardless of the outcome, love is something worth experiencing.

In Movement 2 I set my original poem, “Siren,” which expresses my experience of falling for someone despite the inclination that they are not interested in a relationship with me. I pursued closure, which came in the form of rejection, as I felt unable to deal with ambivalency. I draw a comparison between this and the sirens in Homer’s The Odyssey. Despite the resulting pain, it was irresistible for me to pursue the potential relationship to its end. Thus, just as Odysseus asked of his sailors, I ask to be “tied to the mast” to avoid swimming to my death.

In Movement 3 I set more original text–this time based on my experience with my girlfriend at the time. In this relationship, I feel a sense of peace, security, and warmth. Time seems to pass by more slowly when I’m with her, and being in her presence is like sitting next to a fire that does not dwindle–an undying hearth.

I. “Aphrodite” by Ovid

Even the sun whose light rules all the stars has known love’s kingdom The mistress of love is not kind she is not malevolent either.

Even the toughest of warriors have known the touch of Venus Through the outreach of her pink light that shines between us.

II. “Siren” by Zachary Bell

You call for me And I think that this may be the time That you’re not a siren and I am not a helpless sailor

My heart fills with hope
As I walk onto shore
But even as I trod through the thick gray sand Doubt begins to fill my mind

I am helpless
I cannot leave and regret rowing away from you So I offer my heart to do with as you will
And as you eat it
I am relieved

III. “Undying Hearth” by Zachary Bell

Like an imperceptibly fading sunset, the time I spend with you is frozen. Being with you, I feel at peace.
I give love, and I receive it.

Holding you in my arms is sitting by the fireplace.
Holding you in my arms is tender warmth spreading through me.

Score to View: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YBGOxiOeO_9OsgS-qPPHZD-qj_INnJbG/view?usp=drive_link