Invitation to Love

"Invitation to Love" by award-winning composer Greg Bartholomew is a deeply warm, lyrical work for unaccompanied mixed choir (SATB). Duration: 3:15. The composition sets the beautifully romantic and timeless poem of the same name by legendary American author and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. Born to emancipated parents, Dunbar rose to become one of the first globally influential African-American voices in literature. His verse utilizes comforting nature imagery across shifting seasons—from stars and mellow moons to drifting snows—to extend a sweeping, unconditional welcome to love, wrapping it in the imagery of a nesting bird finding its rightful home. Bartholomew translates this profound invitation into an exceptionally elegant choral landscape using his hallmark harmonic clarity and intuitive part-writing. Shifting effortlessly through rich textual coloring, the piece allows each vocal section to shine through engaging, independent counterpoint. Premiered in Seattle by the prestigious Radiance Ensemble under the direction of Markdavin Obenza, the music perfectly captures the tender, sincere joy of Dunbar's text while remaining accessible to a broad range of ensembles. Designed for medium-easy to medium ensembles (Level 3), it serves as a highly rewarding vehicle for choirs to develop seamless dynamic blending, warm vowel production, and expressive storytelling. An exceptional programming selection for spring or winter concerts, valentine events, or repertoires celebrating classic American poetry, Invitation to Love leaves a radiant, welcoming impression. Also available in an arrangement for unison chorus with piano accompaniment.