Songs about the Human Experience

With a text inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, this a cappella piece uses changing meter and ethereal choral writing to create wonderful harmonic and melodic moments. Atmospheric and haunting,

A pictorial setting of a haunting poem by Greg DiMarco. Darkness and despair can follow us each day, and it is important for us to "dream the sun, the stars, warmth, and joy." A flowing, expressive, and

This piece explores the simple but incredibly powerful act of holding someone's hand - and the text and pop feel will resonate with singers and audiences alike. It can be performed with piano, guitar, or

This beautiful song cycle on three of American poet Emily Dickinson's most treasured texts will be a lovely choice for treble choirs. Each of the three selections may be performed separately, or perform

This powerful message is about mustering the courage to leap from one stage of life into the next. Melodic lines are juxtaposed with a lively piano accompaniment creating bold expressiveness and strong

Cast in three sections, this piece opens with the chorus singing a triumphant call to action. The second section introduces a simple theme which is sung by the upper and the lower voices

"The call of the river is the music in our lives, and the song that I hear is you." This wonderful text celebrates each of us: the river of life and love flowing through us all. Set as an inspirational

Leaping from leaf to leaf, shattering into gold, and scattering gems, light is at the center of our lives. It kisses our eyes, it sweetens our hearts, and it fills the world. This music explores the energy,

This work paints a poignant picture of suburban life - where everything looks wonderful, as long as one doesn't dwell too intently upon the details. This work is, in essence, a series of episodes in

Recorded and performed by more than fifty artists in the 50-plus years since its initial release, this Joni Mitchell song has become an enduring meditation on the shifting perspectives that come with time.

An a cappella setting of the Irish comic ballad that is full of fun. The lyrics introduce the hod-carrier Tim Finnegan, born "with a love for the liquor," who falls from a ladder, breaks his skull, and is

This work expresses the concerns that all people - particularly parents - have for bringing up the younger generation in this trying world. The combination of the English lyrics with their Swahili

"I can hear the sound of the music. I can hear the rhythm of life. I can hear the voice of creation. I can hear the song of life." This vibrant affirmation of the joys of living includes a positively

Featuring selections from the 1925 Broadway musical "No, No, Nannette," this entertaining crowd-pleaser brings American songbook classics to your concert stage. Songs include I Want to Be Happy;

"Golden slumbers kiss your eyes, smiles await you when you rise." Sung from the perspective of a parent or loved one to their young charge, this charming piece has a sweet melody with simple vocal lines

Commissioned by the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club, here is a passionate tour de force for tenor-bass choirs. Full of rubato and with a text that is powerful while at the same time sensitive, this

Written for Philip Brunelle and Vocal Essence, this beautiful and complex piece in Spanish asks in longing harmonies, "Where has love gone?" and comments, "Because it is inhumane to live without love and

An original work with a real spiritual feel, this piece is full of joy, with a text that celebrates the unconditional love of family and home.

Lord Byron's well-known poem paints a moving portrait of advancing age overcoming the frivolity of youth. Infused with the spirit of nostalgia, these lovely melodic lines highlight the text and showcase

This gentle ballad by British singer-songwriter Frances was recorded by The King's Singers on their anniversary album Gold. The heartfelt and bittersweet lyrics are set with a cappella folk-style harmonies.

This lively work incorporates a sprightly piano accompaniment with the wonderful poem Recuerdo by Edna St. Vincent Millay, along with body movements, to create a real mood piece that is fun and

Longfellow's poem The Day Is Done speaks of evening as the time when poetry and music come alive and soothe the cares of day. The musical setting presents the opening lyrics in the children’s

This expressive setting of Sara Teadale's poem The Mystery, which depicts deep lasting love, begins with a unison melody, supported by modulating harmonies in the piano accompaniment, and evolves

This piece is a fast, joyous outburst with the initial lines "I am wild, I will sing to the trees" setting the jubilant tone. The perpetual motion of the syllabic stepwise vocal lines is punctuated by