Harriet Prescott Spofford’s poem “By Night” depicts a young woman who discovers a bold new world of thrilling beauty when she ventures beyond her familiar walls. A galloping accompaniment underscores this wild discovery, and a soaring wind motif in the vocal line rushes forth as if to take the viewer's breath away. A contrasting middle section pauses briefly to meditate on the "beauty born in its Maker's thought" before racing forward again, painting a cinematic scene of wonder and awe. An exhilarating piece to close your concert program!