The theme of this 15-minute choral work is the contrast between the natural places where our soul finds refuge and peace, and the knowledge of war, although far away, and its consequences. The music is joyful, spirited, at times prayerful, reflecting the lively soundscape of a swamp. The celebration of nature's beauty is contrasted with the distant drumbeat of war.
The text by Janisse Ray juxtaposes images about being in the heart of a southern swamp (Okeefenokee, one of her favorite locations), a peaceful and safe refuge, where "every night the spiders weave the world back together... Each new-made web shines gossamer in the new sun." These verses are juxtaposed with words about the mental anguish of war --"Somewhere/Someone is planning to kill/Someone has been killed/ Someone grieves/Someone hides in fear". The text ends with optimism and hope, that the forces that draw us together are stronger than the forces that pull us apart. It is a spiritual text, but not of a particular religion.
The choral parts are challenging for amateur choirs. It is often tonal with complex harmonies anchored in tonal centers. The melodies are flowing and lyrical and very singable.
A small instrumental ensemble accompanies the chorus: piano, oboe and 2 to 3 percussionists.
Text by Janisse Ray
About the consortium that commissioned Weaving the World
Duration ~16-18 minutes
Listen to the premiere performance, streaming hosted at SoundClick:
SoundClick streaming: First half of Weaving the World
SoundClick streaming: Second half of Weaving the World
Prices for Weaving the World - long version with instrumental accompaniment:
Printed full score for perusal - Free
Printed full score for purchase $30
Piano part (with small chorus staves) $20
Instrument parts $15
Vocal score $8
Vocal score 10-pack $68
There is a seven-minute version of Weaving the World with piano accompaniment, more suitable for church use.
Duration ~7 minutes
Prices for Weaving the World - short version with piano
Printed vocal-piano score for perusal - Free
Printed vocal-piano score for purchase $6
Vocal score 10-pack $45
Order performance materials below, either printed music or discounted PDF scores you print yourself. If you don't want to use Paypal, click here for ordering information.
| Download perusal score | ||
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free | PDF full score.Download an Acrobat PDF file of the score for perusal. This file is for viewing only and is not enabled for printing. |
Full score and
instrumental parts |
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| $30 | Printed full score. Purchase a printed copy of the music via PayPal. The printed music is delivered via US mail. |
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| $20 | Piano part with reduced-size choral staves, for performance. (The piano part in the vocal score is for rehearsal only.) |
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| $15 | Instrumental parts: oboe, percussion 1, percussion 2 |
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Vocal
scores |
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| $5 | PDF
vocal score with rehearsal piano, enabled for
printing (for your library only).
Purchase
the music in Acrobat PDF format via PayPal. The
print-enabled file is delivered via email. No shipping
charge. |
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| $60 | PDF vocal score and rights to duplicate for your chorus. Purchase the music in Acrobat PDF format via PayPal. The print-enabled file is delivered via email. No shipping charge. Big savings over two or more 10-packs of printed scores! |
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| $10 | Printed vocal score with rehearsal piano. Purchase a printed copy of the music via PayPal. The printed music is delivered via US mail. |
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| $70 | Package of 10 vocal scores, 30% discount. Purchase via Paypal. The printed music is delivered via US mail.
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| Download perusal score | ||
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free | PDF vocal score. Download an Acrobat PDF file of the score for perusal. This file is for viewing only and is not enabled for printing. |
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Buy PDF delivered via email
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| $4 | PDF
vocal score.
Purchase
the music in Acrobat PDF format via PayPal. The
print-enabled file is delivered via email. No shipping
charge.Anthem with piano. |
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| $48 | PDF vocal score and rights to duplicate for your chorus. Purchase the music in Acrobat PDF format via PayPal. The print-enabled file is delivered via email. No shipping charge.Anthem with piano. Big savings over two or more 10-packs of printed scores! |
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Buy printed music
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| $8 | Printed vocal score. Purchase a printed copy of the music via PayPal. The printed music is delivered via US mail.Anthem with piano. |
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| $56 | Package of 10 vocal scores, 30% discount. Purchase via Paypal. The printed music is delivered via US mail. Anthem with piano. |
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