from Act III of the English opera
The Tender Land by Aaron Copland
Libretto: Horner Everett
Role: Ma Moss, mother of Laurie and Beth
Voice Part: contralto Fach: contralto
Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day of graduation, 1930s, June
Synopsis: After Laurie has left the house in search of her love Martin, her mother contempletes her departure. On one hand, she is sad because life is no longer planned and easy for Laurie, but she is also happy that her daughter has found her freedom.