Lyrics by Poets

William Wordsworth's reflection of a time gone by acknowledges past heartaches while creating a dream world where beautiful memories reign. As the vocal lines rise and fall to trace a distant rainbow, an

Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and

This setting of the evocative Sara Teasdale poem tells a story about how experiencing nature and music can inspire deep love and happiness. Soaring vocal lines combined with rich, dissonant harmonies and a

This is a rhythmic, contemporary gospel-style anthem featuring the words of Maya Angelou, charging all of us to take responsibility for making our communities safe, supportive, and just. Reinforced by a

This work paints a picture of Sara Teasdale's Winter Dusk landscape tied to the thoughts of one solemnly reflecting on deep themes. A new and different take on a winter concert piece with an

"Though you bind it to the blowing wind and you buckle it to the moon, the night will slip away like a sorrow or a tune." The poetry of Eleanor Farjeon is so evocative, and this setting is an excellent

Sara Teasdale's lyric poem looks to the stars for serenity and promise, and this handsome setting is superbly crafted by noted composer Frank Ticheli. Tasteful harmonic suspensions and rich choral textures

This energetic and rhythmic setting of the Sara Teasdale text is a true standout! With both a contemporary a cappella feel and artistic choral integrity, this is a piece that directors will love teaching,

Leonora Speyer's inspirational poem encourages singers to take hold of their limitless potential. Ascending vocal lines stretch across a driving accompaniment as if reaching out to grasp the expanse

Harriet Prescott Spofford's poem describes a young woman who discovers a bold new world of thrilling beauty when she ventures beyond her familiar walls. Accompanied by piano and optional violin, cello,

Robert Frost's celebrated poem finds a worthy home in this lush musical setting. The melodic lines mirror the travelled road, and the rich divisi harmonies bring a depth and poignancy to the lyrics that

Each movement of this work describes aspects of the night in a different location, utilizing the poetry of Carl Sandburg, Robert Frost, and Joaquin Miller. The music portrays the artistic

This energetic piece for treble voices sweeps listeners on a beautiful journey into the rapids of Emily Pauline Johnson's poem. Bold vocal entrances cascade into bright harmonies as the piano creates an

This is a richly harmonic setting of a Christina Rossetti poem about holding on to the memories of one who has departed.

An exquisite setting of Percy Shelley's famous poem written for the vocal group Apollo5. The accessible dissonances enhance the beauty for both the choir and the listener.

The first in a set of three Tennyson poems, this is set in a beautifully lyrical and reflective way. It may be performed as part of a trilogy of Tennyson poems.

Poet Kathryn I.W. Sparks uses allusions to nature to explore the idea of the inexplicable power of music to heal and save. This original concert work sets the text with artistry and sensitivity to the

English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson described the custom of bell ringing to ring out the old year and ring in the new in this 1850 poem. In this exciting original composition, the ringing bells along with

"To sit and dream ... all you who are dreamers, too. Help me make our world anew. I reach out my hands to you." These transformative words penned by Langston Hughes beckon us to reach toward the dreams of a

With modern dissonance and free tonality, this entire piece drives toward the last line of the Stacy Gnall poem: "big brother, I am catching up to you." One long, rhythmic race, this selection will be a

This piece creates opportunities for success for young tenors and basses at all stages of the changing voice. The poetry of Sara Teasdale provides a theme of beauty, longing, and the quest for love that is

Selecting short excerpts from the poetry of Wordsworth and setting it in a transparent, simple musical style, these three movements offer much to unpack in the music and the lyrics.

Setting the text by poet Sara Teasdale, blurred textures and fresh harmonies enhance the profound beauty in Teasdale's poignant depiction of humankind's relative smallness. One piece in two sections, this

The Walt Whitman poem explores the human connection and is expressed wonderfully in this joyful and uplifting musical setting. Part of the five-song May You Heal Project, these titles offer music of