Endless (download)

Description

Voicing: SATB div. choir, two violins & piano

Level: 4

Duration: 5-10 minutes

To see perusal score, please contact Jocelyn.

Composed for the Connecticut All State Mixed Choir in January of 2013, the themes of grief, tragedy and sudden loss are woven throughout. After loss, everything changes, yet everything is the same. That is what the two violins represent in this piece. To quote the unknown poet: “And when something has enriched your life, and when its melody lingers on in your heart. Is it unfinished, or is it endless?”

Text

Do not judge a song by its duration
Nor by the number of its notes
Judge it by the richness of its contents
Sometimes those unfinished are among the most poignant…
Do not judge a song by its duration
Nor by the number of its notes
Judge it by the way it touches and lifts the soul
Sometimes those unfinished are among the most beautiful…
And when something has enriched your life
And when it’s melody lingers on in your heart.
Is it unfinished?
Or is it endless?

– Anonymous

Program Note

I composed the song “Endless” for the Connecticut All State Mixed Choir in January of 2013. Even just following the holiday season, the theme of grief, tragedy and sudden loss were still on my mind. This poem spoke to me in a profound way and helped me put my feelings into a new perspective.

After loss, everything changes, yet everything is the same. That is what the two violins represent in this piece. To quote the unknown poet: “And when something has enriched your life, and when its melody lingers on in your heart. Is it unfinished, or is it endless?”

– Jocelyn Hagen