Pleasant View Sampler Quilt

Pleasant View Sampler Quilt

Pleasant View Sampler is seven separate pieces of music depicting the timeless pioneer spirit, which may be performed as single works or together. The work was premiered by Abendmusik: Lincoln on Octover 14, 1999. Several levels of thought are portrayed: time of the day, days of the week, seasons of the year, and events of the liturgical (Christian church) calendar. Also depicted is a young woman evolving from adolescence to motherhood. "Pleasant View" Farm is a small 78-acre farm homesteaded in Sherman County by Frank Fulliton in 1914. The quilt was commissioned by Abendmusik for the first concert featuring the song cycle.

 I. Dawn (Center)
    Darkness ends and winter's frost melts. The uncertainty of life is questioned and place in God's hands. 

II. The Planting (Upper Left)
    The wonders of science and religious faith are represented in simple, yet complex seed during early spring planting.

 III. Salvation Train (Lower Right)
    The lifeline and reason for existence of many plains settlements was the train. A late spring celebration. 

IV. The Gathering (Center Top)
    The midday meal recalls traditions handed down through the generations including the "sacraments" of hospitality, communion, and matrimony. The individual and collective strength of the Holy Trinity is celebrated.

V. The Storm (Center Left)
    Death, important as life, can come quickly and tragically. Sudden summer storms and other unwelcome events can destroy all that is cherished and worked for except God's love. Uncertainties of nature and frailty of humankind must be dealt with and resolved. The quilt artists selected a tree that once grew by the main entrance into the First-Plymouth Church sanctuary to represent The Storm. 

VI. The Harvest (Lower Left)
    Summer's end before the harshness of winter. Every culture celebrates and thanks God for blessings received. Various choruses in the music for this section of the song cycle represent several ethnic groups who came to the plains of Nebraska.

VII. The Promise of Life (Upper Right)
    As winter sets in, new life is already anticipated. Death is upon us, but a spark of life lives on to renew and grow. An Advent lullaby.