Premiered at the Greater
Houston "Feb Fest" in 2011,
this is a lyrical but dramatic
setting of an original melody.
Full of contrast and dynamic
variety, the piece begins
simply and grows in emotion
and texture all the way to the
fortissimo ending. Chimes are
optional but effective in the
middle section against the
upper bells, played suspended
with mallets. Then the chimes
play on top in the contrasting
minor section just before the
return of the main theme. This
is a substantial piece,
accessible for a wide range of
choirs and rewarding to learn.
