The Immortal
for mixed choir (SATB) unaccompanied
words by Marjorie Pickthall (1883–1922)
Winner, Da Capo Chamber Choir 2017 NewWorks Competition.
Difficulty: Medium-Advanced
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Like many composers, I was first drawn to the poetry of Marjorie Pickthall (and this poem in particular) by the imagery: its vivid atmospheres and sharp contrasts provide a fertile ground for musical exploration. As I worked on this piece, I also came to appreciate the contemporary relevance of its seemingly-romantic message: that "beauty is immortal" even in the darkest of times. I think it serves as a nice reminder of the permanence of the arts, even (or especially) in times of upheaval.
In concert, this piece has been paired with Samuel Barber's Reincarnations several times.
Premiere: Da Capo Chamber Choir, Waterloo, ON, March 2018
Difficulty: Medium-Advanced
Order copies for your choir here
Like many composers, I was first drawn to the poetry of Marjorie Pickthall (and this poem in particular) by the imagery: its vivid atmospheres and sharp contrasts provide a fertile ground for musical exploration. As I worked on this piece, I also came to appreciate the contemporary relevance of its seemingly-romantic message: that "beauty is immortal" even in the darkest of times. I think it serves as a nice reminder of the permanence of the arts, even (or especially) in times of upheaval.
In concert, this piece has been paired with Samuel Barber's Reincarnations several times.
Premiere: Da Capo Chamber Choir, Waterloo, ON, March 2018