Emily Dickinson marvels, “What mystery pervades a well!” A repeating and fragmenting motif in the accompaniment (an inverted hint at Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau) introduces a sense of foreboding, as singers cautiously approach this well; their shrinking distance noted in subsequent echo effects. When close enough to gaze into its murky depths, the mystery remains, but their trepidation is gone. In this setting, vocal lines are predominantly unison or two-part, though not without some exciting rhythmic and dynamic challenges. Like the remaining (fully SATB) pieces in the set, this work is exquisite, with excellent text/tone relationship, and very rewarding for good high school choirs, and collegiate ensembles.

‘Mystery’ is the first of Emily Dickinson’s nature poems, set by Kenneth Neufeld. The collection is entitled, “a Stranger yet,” which is a line from this work. Please see two more movements (sold separately): the delightful ‘Dear March,’ and the award-winning ‘Bring Me the Sunset.’