This is the second of my Four Songs for Soprano and Piano, Opus 6. Both text and music have a deeply existential quality as they describe a soul's search for meaning. This search takes place along the seashore, which which has many layers of significance: a naturalistic representation of timelessness, a nascent sense of danger with its unpredictable waves, and also--paradoxically--a sense of peace. This piece is deeply lyrical and personal, yet in a way that anyone can relate to. On the Shore is performed here by Penny Kindraka - Soprano and Neal Kurz - Piano. The complete song cycle will be released later in 2015. Brian J. Nelson - Composer Steeped in a deeply rooted music tradition, informed by faith, and inspired by contemporary melody and tonality, Brian J. Nelson communicates timeless messages in a dialect that is universally understood. In his own words, “music itself is a language, with a vocabulary and a content, fully capable of communicating a message of truth by way of beauty.” It is this truth that Brian seeks, and delivers, in his compositions. Brian is the Director of Music and Sacred Liturgy at St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence, KS. He composes commissioned sacred and classical works for voice and instruments across a wide variety of genres. He also teaches composition and theory, and offers lectures for academic and public audiences. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Brian received his Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of Kansas, where he studied with James Barnes. He earned his Master’s degree in Composition from the University of Wisconsin, and his Bachelor of Composition degree from the University of Michigan, having studied under William Bolcom, Willam Albright, and Nick Thorne. A devoted Catholic and prolific composer, Brian has published his music on four CDs: Vocalise – Vocal and Instrumental Music of Brian J. Nelson, Responsorial Psalms for Advent and Christmas, On a Musical Journey, and The Reconciliation – Vocal Music of Brian J. Nelson. In addition to his extensive output of music for the Mass and the Divine Office (the official, daily prayer of the Catholic Church), Brian has composed art songs and major works for voice, instrumental ensembles, and orchestra, and was the orchestrator for Tony winner Mark Holman’s musical The Girl, The Grouch and The Goat, which has appeared around the country. Nelson’s sacred music catalog has recently been picked up by International Liturgy Publications and is being prepared for publication. His Vocalise for Solo Cello, Truly, Truly I Say to You and Psalm 100 are available from Alliance Publications.