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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, but 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
Program
notes
About the consortium that
commissioned Weaving the World
Shorter anthem There is a seven-minute
version of Weaving the World with piano accompaniment,
which may be more suitable for church use.
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
Prices for Weaving the World -
short version with piano only
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.
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