As Is The Sea Marvelous: SATB Choral Octavo

The text evokes water in motion, and Hazzard's setting captures that fluidity through flowing lines and shifting harmonic colors. There's a meditative quality to the writing that invites singers to connect with the imagery rather than simply execute notes on a page.

This works well for intermediate to advanced choirs looking for a concert piece that doesn't demand virtuosity but rewards careful musicianship. It suits festival programs, community choruses with solid fundamentals, and school ensembles ready to focus on artistry over technical display.

• Balance the inner voices carefully in passages where the sopranos and altos carry independent melodic material; mark cues throughout rehearsal so everyone knows when they're supporting versus when they're featured.
• Find the natural phrasing of the text first, then build your conducting around it. Let the words breathe rather than imposing a metronomic pulse.
• Approach dynamic contrast gradually rather than in sudden jumps. This piece benefits from subtle shaping that reveals the emotional arc of the imagery.

Pair this with other nature-themed selections to create a thematic concert arc, or place it as a contrasting centerpiece between more energetic works. Its moderate length and accessibility make it an excellent choice for spring festival performances.

• Sustaining lyrical lines across longer phrases
• Blending SATB voicing to achieve clarity without sacrificing warmth
• Responding to text imagery through dynamic and tonal shaping
• Independent voice leading in inner parts