For SAB Chorus, Piano and opt. String Orchestra
By Stephen Chatman
Recipient of Canada's highest civilian honor, composer Stephen Chatman became a member of the Order of Canada in 2012. He has a large catalog of works with Highgate Press, a division of ECS Publishing. The works above are quintessentially Chatman, featuring lyrical melodies, his signature harmonic vocabulary and, when accompanied, instrumental writing that is always gracious.
Poem by Sara Teasdale (1884-1933). This Sara Teasdale poem is set to lyrical music for SATB chorus, piano, and optional string orchestra. Sopranos divide in a few spots, altos on the final note. Well crafted and not difficult to learn. As with all Chatman pieces, a capable and sensitive pianist will appreciate the writing. The text has images that are expansive yet come back to the personal, "You are my deepening skies; Give me your stars to hold."