Shakespeare’s Sonnets

All music written by Elisa

I was inspired to start this project after watching a few of Sir Patrick Stewart’s #asonnetaday videos on Instagram. I was struggling to find a way to be creative with all the anxiety and emotion surrounding Coronavirus, and losing myself in Shakespeare’s beautiful language was a welcome relief.

Other than keeping the writing and recording process short and forcing myself to avoid my instinct to be a perfectionist, there are no rules. I may not get through the full 154 sonnets, but the more I write them the more I’m excited by the prospect. What will I be writing by Sonnet 80? I have no idea, but I’m excited to find out.

 

Sonnet 1

Sonnet 2

Sonnet 3

Sonnet 4

Sonnet 5

All of my compositions have elements that connect them, but Sonnets 5 & 6 even moreso.

Sonnet 6

All of my compositions have elements that connect them, but Sonnets 5 & 6 even moreso.

Sonnet 7

Sonnet 8

Featuring Elisa’s roommates (Carley Buckley, Brandon GomeZ, Kaitlin Wilson) and my amazing family and friends

Video & editing: Brandon Gomez

Sonnet 9

featuring Matthew Sheens (piano/piano arrangement)

 

Sonnet 10

Sonnet 11

...was not something I wanted to sing, and luckily I didn't have to. Brandon Gomez Had fun with the reading over dinner, which I then put to music (that will connect to Sonnet 12).

Sonnet 12

After the sonnet I play a completely original piece inspired by the last couple of sonnets called “Time”

The underscoring from Sonnet 11 is directly connected to Sonnet 12

Sonnet 13

Sonnet 14

One of my favorite sonnets pre-quarantine project, so the perfect opportunity to ask my band to join me:

featuring Carley Buckley, Max McEwen, and Noah Evan Wilson

Sonnet 15

“Elisa Winter and The Subconscious” are reunited for Sonnet 15!
Featuring Carley Buckley, Katie Emerson, and Hallie Spoor

Sonnet 16

Happy Birthday Shakespeare!

Shakespeare, we’ve known each other a while, but this new phase in our relationship was a bit unexpected. I’ve lost some sleep over you, but it’s been worth it as you’ve brought me comfort, joy, connection, and creativity this past month. I’m excited to see what the next 138 Sonnets will bring!

Sonnet 17

featuring Christopher Preston Thompson’s gorgeous vocals and harp arrangements

Sonnet 18

For Lane ❤️

Sonnet 19

Featuring mixing and synth amazing-ness by Vibha Agarwala

Sonnet 20

additional vocals (and award-winning acting) by Carley Buckley

Sonnet 21

Sonnet 22

Sonnet 23

Sonnet 24

Written and performed with Lily Desmond

Sonnet 25: VOTE!

featuring Lily Desmond (co-writer/violin)
Max McEwen (drums)
Noah Evan Wilson (bass)

vote.org


Sonnet 26

Sonnets 27 & 28

I skipped ahead and wrote Sonnet 28 the night RBG died. I went back to start writing Sonnet 26, but then it was November 3… and once again, my mood was more for Sonnet 27. Sonnet 27 & 28 are linked, so I linked them in music as well and re-recorded 28 to put them together.

Sonnet 29

I cannot thank my incredible friends, family, and students enough for being part of this video and part of my life. With you anything feels possible.

Sonnet 30

Sonnet 31

Sonnet 32

Sonnet 33

Sonnet 34

featuring Conor T. L. Sullivan

Sonnet 35

Sonnet 36