The Still Small Voice

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.

SKU: CF.CM9549

ISBN 9781491150818. UPC: 680160908318. 6.875 x 10.5 inches.

Make Space for Life to Live by Michael John Trotta offers captivating, expansive melodies interwoven with a piano accompaniment that makes subtle allusions to the main theme. Its mesmerizing text resonates with the singer and the audience. Appropriate for concert or festival use throughout the year, this piece is also available for SA voices (CM9274), TB Voices (CM9283) and SAB voices (CM9289).
Editor's NoteAbout the WorkMake Space for Life to Live features expansive, yet accessible vocal lines perfect for choirs of all abilities and sizes. It offers compelling melodies and singable vocal lines interwoven with a piano accompaniment that makes subtle allusions to the main theme.About the TextThe text for this work was written while on an extended seashore retreat several years ago. It was the product of many long walks looking out into the vastness of the sea. It was a time in my life that was immediately preceded by great personal loss and turmoil. It was in that silence and space I was able to reconnect to that still, small voice within that reminded me that I was merely a part of something much bigger than myself. The text that was hewn from that experience is a reflection on the importance of allowing space in my daily life to experience the simple joys that every moment has to offer.Optional NarrationRegardless of race or creed the abundance that is found in the reality of the present moment is augmented by regular exposure to the arts. The capricious nature of time in the age of immediacy is that it is entirely flexible. Experience suggests that exposure to natural beauty, such as watching a sunrise unravel over the sea or a cloud formation sweep through a mountain range, allows an individual to feel part of something greater than themselves. Music has the ability to take time and slow it down, revealing to the participant their part in the whole. Taking part in choral music, whether as an audience member, singer, conductor or composer is an opportunity to slow down time long enough to allow the beauty of life to catch up with you.