SKU: AP.50899S
ISBN 9781470668655. UPC: 038081587530. English.
Measure for Measure, by Vince Gassi, is a powerful and exciting concert piece. It has a driving, energetic theme that develops and unravels, leading your ear forward, measure for measure. There is a tender and lyrical moment (woven from the original motif) until the final Furioso section, which elevates, culminates, and capitulates. An excellent choice for concert or contest. (2:55) The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
Available in print and digital formats.
SKU: HL.3712064
UPC: 196288220626. 6.25x9.25x3.5 inches.
Measurement microphone (electret condenser, omnidirectional) for acoustical measurements, phantom powered.
SKU: AP.50899
ISBN 9781470668648. UPC: 038081587523. English.
Avai lable in print and digital formats.
SKU: GI.G-9140
ISBN 9781622771783. English.
With Contributions byFrank Abrahams   Michael L. Alexander   Kimberly Lansinger AnkneyEdward Asmus   Rafael Guerini Atolini   William BauerElaine Bernstorf   Leonardo Borne   Pamela BurnardFrederick Burrack   Paul Chapin   Jian-Jun Chen-EdmundWilliam Cirullo   Richard Colwell   Rachel E. CopelandBaisheng Dai   Paul F. Doerksen   Cláudia Elisiane Ferreira dos SantosDavid Edmund   Jian-Jun Chen-Edmund   Jan EdwardsGeorge Engelhard, Jr.   José Carlos Godinho   Sandy GoldieChristina Haaf   Dee Hansen   Jason HawkinsMichele L. Henry   René Human   Ryan JohnSangmi Kang   Don Lebler   Kathleen A. MelagoJennifer S. McDonel   M. David Miller   Tobias S. MonteGlenn Nierman   Helena de Souza Nunes   Denese OdegaardDouglas C. Orzolek   Kelly A. Parkes   Phillip PayneJohn Peasant, Jr.   Jared R. Rawlings   Gary K. RitcherMaria Gleice Rodrigues   Maria Runfola   Shelley SandersonEdilson Schultz   Ronald G. Sherwin   Scott C. ShulerTimothy W. Smith   Nathan St. Pierre   Stephanie StanderferCynthia L. Wagoner   Dennis Ping-Cheng Wang   Jeffrey WardBrian C. Wesolowski   Stefanie A. Wind   Chia-Chieh WuBrian C. Wuttke   Hyesoo YooThe 5th International Symposium on Assessment in Music Education was hosted by the University of Florida, James Madison University, and The Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University. The symposium brought together 288 participants from 17 nations and six continents to learn of each other’s work, establish collaborations and professional networks, and shape new directions for research in this important area of music education in Williamsburg, Virginia, from February 18-21, 2015. The four keynote addresses and 37 papers published in this volume document music assessment practice and the measurement and evaluation of music learning across the world in local, state, and national contexts at all levels. The attendees also attended special work sessions to discuss the key questions of the symposium, and their discussions are summarized in this collection. As music educators across the world come to terms with increased expectations for accountability of learning in music, the scholars and practitioners who have contributed to this volume provide insight to guide their work.About the EditorsTimothy S. Brophy is Professor of Music Education and Director of Institutional Assessment at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Florida. Jeffrey Marlatt is Associate Professor of Music Education and Assistant Dean for Student Learning, Director of Music Education, and holds the Charlotte A. & Verne E. Collins Endowed Professorship at the Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia. Gary Ritcher is Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
SKU: LO.99-2501L
UPC: 000308122343.
Susan Boersma’s text is brought alive in this arrangement of “Love Unmeasured, Love of God†by Lloyd Larson. The prose that tells of God’s infinite love for us, “living water for the thirsty,†is skillfully arranged for SATB choir and supported by an elegant accompaniment. An optional violin part makes this anthem truly soar as it celebrates the awesome gift of love.
SKU: CF.FAS98F
ISBN 9781491143070. UPC: 680160900572.
With lyrical, scalar melodies in E minor, flowing and intuitive phrases, and main themes circulated throughout the orchestra, Measured Tones provides each section of the ensemble with exciting musical challenges and ample opportunities to shine. Everything you have come to expect from composer Alan Lee Silva.
SKU: GI.G-EH1018
Measure Me, Sky! (SSAA) encourages your treble singers to take hold of their limitless potential. Ascending vocal lines stretch across a driving accompaniment, as if reaching out to grasp the expanse depicted in Leonora Speyer's rapturous poem. This impassioned piece builds through key changes and several returns of the opening material before arriving at its brilliant final chord, reflecting Loveliness, wings for my flight! A thrilling concert opener or closer!
SKU: PR.11641963S
UPC: 680160684472.
The violin concerto is commissioned by Friends of Dresden Music Foundation for American soloist Mira Wang and the New York Philharmonic and Staatskapelle Dresden as an American commemoration of the reconstruction of the Dresden Frauenkirche, 60 years after its destruction in World War II by American and British Forces. The world premiere is given at the Semperoper in Dresden, Germany, on October 9, 10 & 11, 2005, conducted by Ivan Fischer. Full of excitement and inner power, the musical image is vivid, energetic, sometimes lyrical and sometimes dramatic. The major angular thematic material (a three note motive) consists of big leaps in interval (a perfect fourth downward and then a minor seventh upward, first introduced by the violin solo in measures 27-29). Except for the cadenzas which stand at the middle (Rehearsal E, measure 127) and the two ends of the piece as a frame, the virtuosic violin solo line is always accompanied by the ever moving and growing textures in the background. The rests between long and short phrases symbolize the space in Chinese paintings. The Beijing Opera reciting tune, and the fingerings to produce sliding tones in the performance of the Chinese fiddle erhu are also borrowed in the writing and the performing of the western instruments. The musical imagination of the violin concerto came from an ancient Chinese poem with the same title, written by Du Fu (712-770) in Tang Dynasty. Happy Rain on a Spring Night by Du Fu (712-770 in Tang Dynasty) Happy rain comes in time, When spring is in its prime. With night breeze it will fall, And quietly moisten all. Clouds darken wild roads, Light brightens a little boat. Saturated at dawn, With flowers blooming the town. (English translation by Chen Yi from the original poem in Chinese) The following is the poem in its original Chinese form, and the detailed introduction on the structural plan of the violin concerto Spring in Dresden. It's like the welcome rain on a quiet spring night that nurtures the budding seeds, our new society is pushing us forward to the new future. The music reflects the scenes and the expression according to the meaning of the poem when it's being unfolded line by line. Although the tempo is set 63 quarter notes per minute throughout (played vividly, never slow down), the tension is being built up from the quiet background in the beginning, to the sustained climax towards the end. The musical image in Rehearsal A and B (measures 39-80) represents the first four lines of the poem. The wind instruments response to the rustling of fast moving notes on muted string triplets, decorated by occasional strokes produced by metallic string sound and high woodwind gestures. The music in Rehearsal C and D (measures 81-126) represents the next two lines of the poem. It's so dark, a little light in the boat is shimmering on the lake... The breathy sound and key slaps on the flutes create a mysterious atmosphere, in a dialogue with other instruments. The cello glissandi recite the poem in the tone of Mandarin, echoed by the string harmonics. The music in Rehearsal F, G and H (m 129-202) is a toccata, starting in the orchestra (led by the marimba), which builds up a big shape, to reach the climax in m. 157 (Rehearsal G, the location of the Golden Section, according to the length of the music without cadenzas), and keeps the vivid scene towards the coda (from Rehearsal I, m. 203), which stands on the energetic peak until the clear cutoff on measure 239, followed by the short, yet powerful solo conclusion with the lingering echo produced by the high string harmonics. On the top, there is a recall of the three note motive in the sound of wonderland, touched by the motor-on vibraphone meaningfully. The music is written for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets (in Bb), 2 bassoons, 4 French horns (in F), 2 trumpets (in Bb), 3 trombones, tuba, harp, 3 percussion players (Perc. 1: xylophone; Perc. 2: suspended cymbal, Japanese high woodblock, snare drum, bass drum and vibraphone; Perc. 3: marimba and tam-tam), solo violin, and strings. Duration is about 20 minutes.The violin concerto is commissioned by Friends of Dresden Music Foundation for American soloist Mira Wang and the New York Philharmonic and Staatskapelle Dresden as an American commemoration of the reconstruction of the Dresden Frauenkirche, 60 years after its destruction in World War II by American and British Forces. The world premiere is given at the Semperoper in Dresden, Germany, on October 9, 10 & 11, 2005, conducted by Ivan Fischer.Full of excitement and inner power, the musical image is vivid, energetic, sometimeslyrical and sometimes dramatic. The major angular thematic material (a three notemotive) consists of big leaps in interval (a perfect fourth downward and then a minorseventh upward, first introduced by the violin solo in measures 27-29). Except for thecadenzas which stand at the middle (Rehearsal E, measure 127) and the two ends of the piece as a frame, the virtuosic violin solo line is always accompanied by the ever moving and growing textures in the background. The rests between long and short phrases symbolize the space in Chinese paintings. The Beijing Opera reciting tune, and the fingerings to produce sliding tones in the performance of the Chinese fiddle erhu are also borrowed in the writing and the performing of the western instruments.The musical imagination of the violin concerto came from an ancient Chinese poem with the same title, written by Du Fu (712-770) in Tang Dynasty.Happy Rain on a Spring Nightby Du Fu (712-770 in Tang Dynasty)Happy rain comes in time,When spring is in its prime.With night breeze it will fall,And quietly moisten all.Clouds darken wild roads,Light brightens a little boat.Saturated at dawn,With flowers blooming the town.(English translation by Chen Yi from the original poem in Chinese)The following is the poem in its original Chinese form, and the detailed introduction onthe structural plan of the violin concerto Spring in Dresden.It’s like the welcome rain on a quiet spring night that nurtures the budding seeds, our newsociety is pushing us forward to the new future. The music reflects the scenes and theexpression according to the meaning of the poem when it’s being unfolded line by line.Although the tempo is set 63 quarter notes per minute throughout (played vividly, neverslow down), the tension is being built up from the quiet background in the beginning, tothe sustained climax towards the end. The musical image in Rehearsal A and B (measures39-80) represents the first four lines of the poem. The wind instruments response to therustling of fast moving notes on muted string triplets, decorated by occasional strokesproduced by metallic string sound and high woodwind gestures. The music in RehearsalC and D (measures 81-126) represents the next two lines of the poem. It's so dark, a littlelight in the boat is shimmering on the lake... The breathy sound and key slaps on theflutes create a mysterious atmosphere, in a dialogue with other instruments. The celloglissandi recite the poem in the tone of Mandarin, echoed by the string harmonics. Themusic in Rehearsal F, G and H (m 129-202) is a toccata, starting in the orchestra (led bythe marimba), which builds up a big shape, to reach the climax in m. 157 (Rehearsal G,the location of the Golden Section, according to the length of the music withoutcadenzas), and keeps the vivid scene towards the coda (from Rehearsal I, m. 203), whichstands on the energetic peak until the clear cutoff on measure 239, followed by the short,yet powerful solo conclusion with the lingering echo produced by the high stringharmonics. On the top, there is a recall of the three note motive in the sound ofwonderland, touched by the motor-on vibraphone meaningfully.The music is written for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets (in Bb), 2 bassoons, 4 French horns (in F), 2 trumpets (in Bb), 3 trombones, tuba, harp, 3 percussion players (Perc. 1:xylophone; Perc. 2: suspended cymbal, Japanese high woodblock, snare drum, bass drum and vibraphone; Perc. 3: marimba and tam-tam), solo violin, and strings.Duration is about 20 minutes.
SKU: PR.11641963SP
UPC: 680160684496.
SKU: PR.11641963L
UPC: 680160684489.
SKU: CF.YAS57
ISBN 9780825866890. UPC: 798408066895. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: G major.
This is a sweeping new original composition in a subto Scottish style from popular composer Alan Lee Silva. Just another one of the pieces that always seem to flow effortlessly from his talented pen. This is an excellent piece for any contest or festival.This Scottish-flavored, uptempo piece in has a lilting, jubilant-feel throughout. Highland Celebration is built around two rhythmic subdivisions: two groups of three eighth notes per measure and three groups of two eighth notes per measure. Have the ensemble distinguish between the two subdivisions by tapping each one separately. Make an exercise of the rhythm in mm. 1–2 in Violin 1 to facilitate playing the different rhythms precisely: (1 2 3 - 4 5 6) and (1 2 - 3 4 - 5 6). Rehearsing four- to eightmeasure sections under tempo will aid in tightening these rhythms and solidifying pitch.The sections to concentrate on are: mm. 17–24 and mm. 33–40 to make sure that Violins I and II and Cello are playing together; mm. 33–40, to focus on the Violin 1 and Violin 2 unisons and couplings; and mm. 57–62, where the quarter-note subdivisions are emphasized. The piece is book-ended with the introduction material which always begins quietly and builds. The ensemble at m. 79 starts with tutti scalar figures and increases in intensity to the final accented measures at m. 83. Written in AABA form with a double bridge at m. 45, the overall feeling is dance-like and festive.
About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series
Thi s series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:--Occasionally extending to third position--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts--Viola T.C. part included--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels
SKU: CF.CM9628
ISBN 9781491157008. UPC: 680160915569. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: E minor. English, English. Original, Sarah Ramos & Robert Draper.
Ramos has written a memorable tribute to a beloved teacher in I Carry Your Song in My Heart. For the advanced treble ensemble, the lush and captivating harmonies are sure to engage both singer and audience. With a wonderful it factor, it is a great find for concert or festival.A great music teacher's legacy is not measured by the festivals and conventions at which their students performed. It is not measured by the number of all-state performers or professional musicians their program generated. Nor is it measured by Teacher-of-the-Year awards or accolades. A great music teacher's legacy is found in the memories, the music, the life lessons, and the truths still resonating in the hearts of their students. I Carry Your Song in My Heart was created to celebrate the legacy of Cheryl Wilson, a great choir director, and the 'song' she imparted to her students. Robert Draper, her former assistant, wrote the first draft of the text which was further developed into its present form by Evan and Sarah Ramos. Performance Notes: Mm. 9-16: Be careful not to take this section too quickly. The section 'rhythms dance, phrases spin' is difficult to enunciate at too fast a tempo. Work with your singers to find a tempo that allows mm. 13-16 to 'dance' without feeling rushed. Mm. 37, 61: Keep the dotted eighth notes in these measures as legato as possible. M. 47: If you would like, accenting the dotted eighth notes is appropriate here. If you choose to perform this piece with Cello, feel free to adjust dynamics as needed for balance in the overall sound.A great music teacher’s legacy is not measured by the festivals and conventions at which their students performed. It is not measured by the number of all-state performers or professional musicians their program generated. Nor is it measured by Teacher-of-the-Year awards or accolades.A great music teacher’s legacy is found in the memories, the music, the life lessons, and the truths still resonating in the hearts of their students.I Carry Your Song in My Heart was created to celebrate the legacy of Cheryl Wilson, a great choir director, and the ‘song’ she imparted to her students. Robert Draper, her former assistant, wrote the first draft of the text which was further developed into its present form by Evan and Sarah Ramos.Performance Notes:Mm. 9-16: Be careful not to take this section too quickly. The section ‘rhythms dance, phrases spin’ is difficult to enunciate at too fast a tempo. Work with your singers to find a tempo that allows mm. 13-16 to ‘dance’ without feeling rushed.Mm. 37, 61: Keep the dotted eighth notes in these measures as legato as possible.M. 47: If you would like, accenting the dotted eighth notes is appropriate here.If you choose to perform this piece with Cello, feel free to adjust dynamics as needed for balance in the overall sound.
SKU: PR.416416140
UPC: 680160642441.
Time is one of the main factors impacting the world and our lives. Einstein saw time as the relationship of the motion of one object relative to the position of another object, as measured through observation. But can we really measure time objectively? Music, the art which moves through time, can affect our perception of time, and can affect each person's perception of time differently. Depending on the emotion it stimulates, music can make time seem to pass quickly or slowly. A composer can use music to convey time to an audience and different musical ideas can create different sensations of time. Absence of Time is a concerto for woodwind quartet and orchestra. It has three main sections (fast, slow, fast), recalling traditional concerto form, but it does not use the solo instruments in the traditional way, i.e., as soloists in contest with the orchestra. Inspired by the idea of juxtaposing different experiences of time, I divided the instruments into two groups: the four soloists and the orchestra. The orchestra functions mostly as the keeper of time (real time) while the quartet of soloists fluctuates (in imaginary time or in the absence of time) around the orchestra's time. While the quartet's instruments do play solos, they also play in ensemble with the orchestra. You could say that they play in both imaginary time (as soloists) and in real time (with the orchestra). In addition to this, the woodwind section of the orchestra plays in conversation with the solo quartet, calling it back to real time. Fusion is achieved at the end of the piece through the use of strong, driving rhythm. Absence of Time was commissioned by the Pacific Symphony and was first performed by the Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Symphony Woodwind Quartet with Carl St. Clair as conductor on October 20, 2016.
SKU: CF.FAS54F
ISBN 9780825869372. UPC: 798408069377. 8.5 X 11 inches.
Written in a modern Americana style, A Country Memory begins subtly with a lyrical violin melody over triads and open-string fifths in the other sections of the string orchestra. A pastoral country-feel is established in the introduction and continues throughout the piece. The eightmeasure folk tune at m. 5 in violin I, played legato, is featured in each section of the ensemble. The cello plays the melody in m. 25 and then hands off to the high strings in m. 29.In the interlude at m. 35, violin I states a two-measure melody. The rest of the ensemble joins in harmony two measures later, and the full group builds to the ritard. in m. 42. Low strings carry the melody in m. 43, as violin I plays an ostinato above them. The ensemble builds, playing ascending, scalar melodies and moves to the Maestoso section at m. 53. This is the final grand statement of the main theme before the ending begins at m. 61. From there to the end, the group plays vigorously with a full sound, highlighted by repeated sixteenth-note figures in violin I as the piece soars to the final chord.
SKU: CF.CAS107
ISBN 9781491146675. UPC: 680160904174. 9 x 12 inches. Key: E minor.
Triangle of the Tempest is a fast-moving composition with interesting rhythmic challenges and dynamic color shifts. Starting with syncopated figures over a repeated eight-measure progression, the piece builds in intensity as more sections and layers are added. The second part changes tone and is led by a heroic violin melody with a soaring cello obligato. The themes intertwine and the material develops into a dramatic conclusion with a final explosive ensemble hit. Action-packed and full of rhythmic drive, this piece is a good choice for contest or festival performance.An up-tempo 3â„4 piece in E minor, Triangle of the Tempest features inviting rhythmic challenges, provocative melodic variations and dynamic color shifts .The A-section is based on a repeating eight-measure harmonic progression with punctuated open voicings and syncopated figures . Each section builds in intensity as new elements are added in subsequent eight-measure increments . Rhythmically, the pattern in the A-section (mm . 1–36) follows a two-measure form: the first of the two measures has a dotted quarter-eighth syncopated figure, and the rhythms in the second measure fall primarily on the beats . After the main eight-measure pattern is established, the A-melody and its variations are introduced on top of it .A two-measure build (mm . 35–36), highlighted by fast moving ensemble triplet figures, propels the piece as it crescendos into the jubilant B-section (mm . 37–52), changing tone and moving to the relative G major . The violins carry the soaring melody atop sonorous major chords in the mid and low strings . Rhythmically, the alternating syncopated measure/non-syncopated measure form continues through this section .Returning to the dramatic E minor A-section phrases in mm . 53–86, the piece shifts to the original eight-measure harmonic progression with melodic variations in the violins over the top . After reprising the B-section (mm . 87–102), intertwining motifs at m . 103 offer a variation on the A-theme where the melodic entrances happen at one-measure intervals .The tempo slows slightly and the tone changes again in the flowing and magical C-section at m . 123 as the piece moves again to the relative G major . Repeating lyrical legato violin lines create the musical background for a majestic viola melody, featured in mm . 126–146 . A brief fanfare statement with motifs spread throughout the orchestra at m . 153, prepares the return to E minor and the A-theme in mm . 160–193 .Measure 194 introduces an E-pedal point and tension builds, ramping up emotionally to the ending . The ensemble thunders at m . 202 as the violins and violas begin a four-measure syncopated question/answer section with the cellos and basses . The phrases crescendo and build for another four measures at m . 206, setting up the driving unison, tutti figures at m . 211 and a final explosive hit on the downbeat of m . 212 .
About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series
Thi s series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
SKU: CF.CM9717
ISBN 9781491160961. UPC: 680160919567. Psalm 91:4-5.
The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. Psalm 91:4-5 To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart. What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren't alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, It's okay. I've got you. It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong. The first word - scapulis - is translated as pinions. On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section - mm. 1-20 - encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort. In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text - and you will find refuge under his wings - is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs: Alto I - Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabis Soprano II - Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabis Soprano I - Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabis The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress. The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase. The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance - Felix Mendelssohn's Lift Thine Eyes.The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions,and you will find refuge under his wings.His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. Psalm 91:4-5 To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart.What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren’t alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, “It’s okay. I’ve got you.†It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong.The first word – scapulis – is translated as “pinions.†On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section – mm. 1-20 – encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort.In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text – and you will find refuge under his wings – is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs:Alto I – Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabisSoprano II – Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabisSoprano I – Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabis The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress.The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase.The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance – Felix Mendelssohn’s Lift Thine Eyes.