The New Colossus, for chorus, harp, and chamber orchestra
  • CHGiffenCHGiffen
    Posts: 5,268
    I recently finished and published at CPDL a setting of Emma Lazarus's famous poem "The New Colossus" - for SATB chorus, harp, and chamber orchestra (flute, English horn, bassoon, French horn, trombone, and strings) - using essentially the same music as my concert setting of "A Hymn for St Cecilia". Here is a video with scrolling score of a simulated performance for your convenience (try singing along with the video!).

    Also attached is the (letter size) full score PDF. This is published at CPDL, along with a chorus, harp, and organ edition (the organ part replacing the chamber orchestra). MP3 sound file also attached (better sound quality than YouTube video).

    The Lazarus poem has special meaning for me (and for many, I'm sure), and is something well worth contemplating in these troubling times.

    The New Colossus (Charles H. Giffen)
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    Thanked by 2Drake Bri
  • CHGiffenCHGiffen
    Posts: 5,268
    I'm *bumping* this, because: 140 years ago today, on June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in the U.S.A. and was assembled over the next approximately 16 months, dedicated on October 28, 1886. The Statue of Liberty together with the eloquent sonnet "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus have ennobled and welcomed the lives of so many people over the ensuing years, and its message still rings true, in spite of so much hatred and mistrust of others that seems to permeate our present day political climate.

    My immigrant ancestors from Scotland were among poor settlers that, via early Conestoga wagons, crossed from Pennsylvania through the Midwest to settle in Iowa. This is just one example of countless other immigrant/migrant stories which have been knit together into the fabric of our non-native American culture.

    On this anniversary of the arrival of the Statue of Liberty in the U.S.A., may we all contemplate and celebrate the freedom and liberty that has been the hallmark of American society and history.

    Thanked by 1Liam
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