IMMORTAL SAILS

Most of the choral pieces I compose are more advanced works, intended for mature high school or collegiate choirs. This was an effort at writing a more accessible piece, achievable for less experienced groups. Additionally, at the time of this piece’s composition, I felt as if all I ever composed were slow works. Thus, this was also an effort to make a fast and exciting piece with a big ending.

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I interpret each stanza of the poem as reflecting two lovers throughout life, and I made sure to show this in the music as well. First, life is exciting and new for the young adults. The piece then becomes more lyrical and sweet as the partners (represented by the sopranos/altos and tenors/basses) settle down for a love life together in the middle of their lives. The piece then slows down as they grow old together, and death draws near. The piece then ends boldly with a recapitulation of its original excited feelings—whether this last section is a flashback to the beginning of their lives or a flash-forward to a new pair of lives is left up to interpretation.

 

"Immortal Sails" has a very active and flashy piano part that should be allowed to shine when it’s featured. However, great care should be taken so that it never overpowers the choir. While the piece is designed to be on the easier side, that doesn’t mean it’s bereft of harmonic complexities. So, make sure that all chords are tuned properly. Lastly, be sure to tell the ‘story’ of the piece—each section of the work should have a unique character and tone, as to reflect each phase of their lives.

 

The piece was entered into the Warren County Summer Music School’s composition contest, and while it didn’t win, it received praise from the judge, saying: “Congratulations on a job well done! This piece is very enjoyable to listen to. The choral and piano parts are all well-written; it’s clear that you understand this medium quite well. The piece is filled with great harmonies and there are a lot of really colorful moments where the harmonies move in unexpected ways. You’ve tied the piece together really well with recurring melodic and rhythmic ideas, as well as recurring chord progressions. The form of the piece is effective; I think the slower passage at 65 is great, and the imitative texture that you explore starting at the pickup to 31 is wonderful. The syncopated rhythmic patterns in the piano really catch the listener’s attention. Excellent work!"