Heart of Earth

for SA (with divisions) and hand-claps Heart of Earth sets excerpts of poetry by Laura Purdie Salas that are rich in vivid descriptions of the natural world. Rajasekar was attracted to these texts by the way in which they relate to her home state of Minnesota, as well as places all around the world. The simple melodic lines are embellished with cross-rhythms and vocal scoops. The hand-clapping patterns are intended to be reminiscent of childhood, and a video guide to these, filmed by the composer, is available on the companion website www.oup.com/HeartofEarth. This piece was commissioned and premiered by the Royal Northern College of Music in 2023.