Sara Teasdale's poem is the inspiration for this dramatic concert work which relies heavily on the tumultuous piano and cello accompaniment to convey the deep feeling of the text. The opening section is

"Though I have been wounded; aching heart, full of pain, still I rise, yes, still I rise..." With its spiritual-like style, this original choral arrangement with solo speaks poignantly of the struggles of

Sarah Quartel's own inspiring text about the empowerment of singing is set to a catchy melody with imitative scat singing and a driving hand drum accompaniment. This piece has all the hallmarks of her