Song for a Lily

This beautiful work is dedicated to the memory of a young girl named Lily who departed from the earth much too soon. Excerpted from Arnesen's major work Tuvayhun, this seventh movement follows the words "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" from the Beatitudes. Set for a soprano soloist and chorus with organ or string accompaniment. The poignant text and call-and-response texture between the soloist and choir is emotionally moving and expresses, "Leaving you behind only makes our bonding stronger, vaster, longer, every day, in every way."