I wrote “Hopeful Green” a few years ago for an ensemble of young string players, 12 to 17 years old. They premiered it with gusto at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

To see and hear the kids playing the premiere, go to this site:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMtIq4Sexmw

The title comes from a line from Whitman’s “Song of Myself.” Referring to grass, his beloved symbol of democracy and a recurring image in his poetry, he says,

“I guess it must be the flag of my disposition, out of hopeful green stuff woven.”

I like to think that my disposition, too, is “of hopeful green stuff woven.” At least that is what I aspire to.

Come what may, we can be hopeful. Spring reminds us of that, the greening of Nature is more abundant every day.

The music is youthful, energetic, optimistic, with an opening theme that is an American composer’s “take” on Haydn’s quartet-writing and a second theme that is like an American folk hymn. If I could find lyrics that fit that second theme, we’d sing it as a hymn in a worship service at my church.

The two themes are presented and then blended; once again, a reconciliation of opposites, a frequent feature of my music. Or, if you prefer, “an alignment of contrasts,” because the two themes are not truly “opposites.” They’re just different from one another.

The kids did a great job when they premiered the work but the resulting recording was not of broadcast quality. So … four of my string playing friends recently made a fine recording of “Hopeful Green.”

You are the first to hear this recording; it was made only two months ago. It will be featured on another CD of my music, slated for release later this year, to be announced.

To hear “Hopeful Green” performed by violinists Doug Hamilton and Annette Misener, violist Rose Gowda and cellist Michael Ronstadt, click on the link above. There's also a link to a PDF of the score.

I'd love to know what you think about this music; feel free to reply if you're inclined. But please don't feel that you are expected to reply. I'm just glad to share my work with people who are interested.

As always, you may forward this message to friends who might enjoy it.

Anyone can be on the list of recipients for these mpFrees (as I call these music emails). To sign up, people can email me at rick@sowash.com, sending just one word: "Yes."

I'll know what it means.

Rick Sowash
Cincinnati, OH
April 26, 2026
www.sowash.com