writing – cristian larios

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Instrumentation: SSAA chorus a cappella
Duration: 3’27”
Poet: Rabindranath Tagore

text:

Light, my light, the world-filling light, the eye-kissing light, heart sweetening light!
Ah, the light dances, my darling, at the centre of my life; the light strikes, my darling, the chords of my love; the sky opens, the wind runs wild, laughter passes over the earth.
The butterflies spread their sails on the sea of light. Lilies and jasmines surge up on the crest of the waves of light.
The light is shattered into gold on every cloud, my darling, and it scatters gems in profusion.
Mirth spreads from leaf to leaf, my darling, and gladness without measure.
The heaven’s river has drowned its banks and the flood of joy is abroad.

-Rabindranath Tagore 1861 – 1941

This poem is in the public domain.

about the poet:

Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was an Indian poet, composer, philosopher, educator, and visionary whose work sought to illuminate the connections between humanity, nature, spirituality, and the world around us. Born in Calcutta, Tagore wrote across genres and languages, creating poetry, songs, stories, plays, and essays that continue to shape Indian literature and music.

His poetry is marked by a sense of wonder and a profound attention to the ordinary—to light, nature, love, loss, and the mystery of being alive. In 1913, his collection Gitanjali: Song Offerings earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first non-European recipient of the award.

Tagore believed that art and education could help us see beyond the boundaries that separate us. In 1901, he founded an experimental school at Shantiniketan, envisioning a place where learning could unfold through nature, creativity, and human connection. Throughout his life, he remained committed to education, social reform, and the pursuit of a more connected and compassionate world.

His words continue to invite us toward that same sense of wonder: to look more closely, to listen more deeply, and to recognize the light that connects us all.

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Instrumentation: SSA chorus + cajon + piano
Duration: 4’30”
Poet: Anonymous

SEE THE SCORE HERE

about the piece:

To me, the piece is about standing at the edge of change—whether that be a new adventure, a difficult decision, or an uncertain future. While those moments can bring doubt and fear, they can also offer freedom. The text invites us to release the need for certainty and instead embrace curiosity, wonder, and the beauty of the present moment.

Musically, the piece is inspired by contemporary styles and musicians like Jensen McRae, Lizzy McAlpine, and Ryan Beatty. Throughout, I tried to evoke a sense of abandon and radical joy with uplifting melodies and driving instrumental parts.

Instrumentalists are encouraged to adapt and improvise within their parts. The accompaniment is intended to be flexible and collaborative—and, as a composer who is primarily a vocalist, I trust their instincts.

There is Music was commissioned by Monica Bertrand and Giving Voices Collective for their 2026 project, a benefit concert in support of breast cancer research.

text:

At first light, when the sky is undecided
and the world is still learning its name,
I step into morning with nothing to carry
but breath and a small, steady flame.

No map in my hand, no promise of answers,
no need to outrun what may be
the wind writes its plans through the leaves of the trees,
and something in me agrees.

There’s music in footsteps that wander without
a reason they need to defend,
there’s grace in the breath that you take without thinking,
then choose, for a moment, to tend.

I’ve stood on the edge of a day nearly wasted,
watched hours dissolve into gray,
but now I am reckless with noticing
gold in the most ordinary way

What if this is it
not a prelude or practice,
not something to edit or save?
What if the now is the loudest confession
this brilliant life ever gave?

Then let me be here
not half in a memory,
not reaching ahead to be sure,
but wide in the wonder of everything passing,
and somehow, because of that, pure.

Tag: writing

Light, My Light

There is Music