Remembering Our Fathers

For orchestra and three female voices

The Role (mezzo-soprano)

Emma Wedgewood Darwin, Darwin’s wife, was also his cousin. Their marriage was very happy and without turmoil. Anne, their daughter who is not mentioned by name in the text, died at age 10.

The Text

The text has been extrapolated from actual quotes made by or about Darwin. No editorial summaries were made. The words come from famous contemporaries or from letters from and speeches by Darwin. Minor changes were made on occasion to execute rhymes where appropriate. The poetic scheme matches the poetic scheme that would have been in use in the mid-19th century.

The Music

Composed in a style similar to mid 19th century England (like Elgar, for example), the music, except for some of the stormy Beagle section, is relatively simple and pleasant, as was the relationship between Darwin and his wife.

CHARLES DARWIN - as through Emma Darwin:

"How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children."
That was from Mister Darwin.

The solace of our future was deprived,
when in that hour our hearts were torn
by proof that "more of each species are born
than can possibly survive."

You were the apple in your father's eye.
Your affection touched him deeply;
to your final sleep you went most sweetly,
expiring so young and without a sigh.

Just as in life, your death was dutiful,
aiding the theory that for years caused him strife.
Death: "a natural machinery of life
driving evolution to endless forms most beautiful."

'Twas on the Beagle that he had his first notions,
as he studied the finch and the fossil,
he embarked on a task most colossal
as he navigated great oceans.

"There is greater happiness than building a theory."
He said this to me just before we were married,
Oh how I wish you'd have known the love that he carried;
but arose other conflicts that made Charley weary.

When asked of his faith, he said:

"The mystery of the Beginning has no solution;
the subject is too profound for human intellect."
'Tis for the Creator to let Nature select.”
An agnostic forever but the Father of Evolution.

Opinions on Sir Charles' theories have varied
but his passion and honesty were never questioned
and at his death there was made the suggestion
that next to Newton at Westminster he be buried.

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