SSAATTBB with two Solo Whistlers
c. 4’30”
Commissioned by the National Youth Choir, 18-25
With lifted feet, hands still,
I am poised, and down the hill
Dart, with heedful mind;
The air goes by in a wind.
Swifter and yet more swift,
Till the heart with a mighty lift
Makes the lungs laugh, the throat cry:-
‘O bird, see; see, bird, I fly.
*’Is this your joy, so wild?
O bird, then I, though a child,
For a golden moment share
Your feathery life in air!’
Say, heart, is there aught like this
**In a world of bliss?
‘Tis more than skating, bound
Steel-shod to the level ground.
Speed slackens now, I float
Awhile in my airy boat;
Till, when the wheels scarce crawl,
My feet to the treadles fall.
Alas, that the longest hill
Must end in a vale; but still,
Who climbs with toil, wheresoe’er,
Shall find wings waiting there.
Henry Charles Beeching (1859-1919)
* In the original poem, these two lines read:
‘Is this, is this your joy?
O bird, then I, though a boy,
** In the original poem, this line reads:
In a world that is full of bliss?
If you would like to perform this piece, please get in touch via the Contact page. I am happy to send perusal scores if interest is expressed.