The Face I Carry With Me was commissioned by The Chicago Ensemble in 1982. After reading the collected works of poet Emily Dickinson, Rhodes decided to write settings of the poems that spoke to him most. Notably, the work is written for an ensemble that includes viola, cello, and piano (as well as flute and soprano) – a darker contrast to the typical combination of violin, cello, and piano – which Rhodes thought more aptly suited the mood of the poems. The piece is dedicated to the memory of Rhodes beloved grandfather, Carl Henson.

1982 (revised 1985)