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It Is Not Always May
1/12
for SATB Chorus and Piano
Text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Hinshaw Music - HMC2452
Description
"It Is Not Always May" captures a new spring season of beauty and love. Lighthearted and carefree, it begins with ascending melodic lines and swelling crescendos, depicting the hopefulness of youth. However, as spring slips away, the harmonies transition to a deeper sense of yearning for sweet memories of the past and the reminder to savor the gift of each new day.
Inspired by the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this piece for SATB chorus with divisi is accompanied by an exquisite role for the piano. College/university ensembles, high school choir, or community choruses will find it exceptionally engaging.
the Inspiration
Text
The sun is bright,—the air is clear,
The darting swallows soar and sing,
And from the stately elms I hear
The blue-bird prophesying Spring.
So blue yon winding river flows,
It seems an outlet from the sky,
Where waiting till the west wind blows,
The freighted clouds at anchor lie.
All things are new;—the buds, the leaves,
That gild the elm-tree's nodding crest,
And even the nest beneath the eaves;—
There are no birds in last year's nest!
All things rejoice in youth and love,
The fullness of their first delight!
And learn from the soft heavens above
The melting tenderness of night.
Maiden, that read'st this simple rhyme,
Enjoy thy youth, it will not stay;
Enjoy the fragrance of thy prime,
For O! it is not always May!
Enjoy the Spring of Love and Youth,
To some good angel leave the rest;
For Time will teach thee soon the truth,
There are no birds in last year's nest!
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Composer Notes
“The sun is bright,—the air is clear,
The darting swallows soar and sing...”
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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