There Was a Time SATB

There Was a Time

for satb chorus

1/15

for SATB Chorus and Piano

Also available SSAA

Text by William Wordsworth
Elaine Hagenberg Music - EH1010

Description

William Wordsworth's reflection of a time gone by acknowledges past heartaches while creating a dream world where beautiful memories reign. As the voices subtly rise and fall to trace a distant rainbow, an ethereal piano accompaniment glistens above. Then together, they soar to new heights to “find strength in what remains behind.”

the Inspiration

Text

There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, The earth, and every common sight, To me did seem Apparell'd in celestial light, The glory of a dream. The rainbow comes and goes, And lovely is the rose; The moon doth with delight Look round her when the heavens are bare; Waters on a starry night Are beautiful and fair; The sunshine is a glorious birth; But yet I know, where'er I go, That there hath pass'd away a glory from the earth. Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind. - William Wordsworth

Composer Notes

In the midst of unimaginable grief, Tim and Jennifer Powell had a beautiful vision to commission a new piece in memory of their 9-year-old daughter, Lily Kate Powell. Upon reading this touching poem by William Wordsworth, Jennifer thought these words would be a fitting text to remember her daughter's life. Although Wordsworth acknowledged pain and grief, he also celebrated beautiful memories and tender moments shared. When I first began composing this piece, my aim was to weave shimmering memories of their time together alongside the dissonant heartache of reality. Having witnessed a video of Lily innocently sitting at the piano and singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” I incorporated the same ascending octave in short melodic quotes throughout the piece. The final line of Wordsworth's poem states "We will grieve not, / rather find Strength in what remains behind." Though Lily is no longer here, we can continue to celebrate her life by sharing her kindness and generous spirit.