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The Music of Stillness

for SATB Chorus and Piano

Text by Sara Teasdale

Published with Oxford University Press 

The Music of Stillness Hagenberg

Sara Teasdale's poem There Will Be Rest frames this stunning piece for mixed divisi choirs. Soaring choral phrases conjure up images of "stars shining, rooftops covered with snow, crystal peace . . . finding the music of stillness." Following a serene opening, the piece rises and falls through affecting climaxes as well as passages of great tranquility, ending with the same sense of stillness with which it begins.

There will be rest, and sure stars shining
Over the roof-tops crowned with snow,
A reign of rest, serene forgetting,
The music of stillness holy and low

.
I will make this world of my devising
Out of a dream in my lonely mind.
I shall find the crystal of peace, –

above me
Stars I shall find
.

"Music of Stillness" by Elaine Hagenberg
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Elaine Hagenberg introduces 'The Music of Stillness'
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