That I Loved: SSA Choral Octavo
Words by Sara Teasdale, music by Mark Burrows
Item: 00-PO-0005709
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Sara Teasdale's poem about the end of life is the foundation of this soul-stirring choral setting. Text painting and sensitive musical choices bring the meaning of the words alive in an unforgettable way. Exquisite choral writing!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0005709
More about this title
About the Composer: Mark Burrows
Mark Burrows brings together composition, conducting, and classroom experience in a career dedicated to writing music for choirs of all ages and abilities. His works appear regularly on state festival and competition lists, and his commissions span from children's ensembles to adult choirs to intergenerational festival groups. Burrows holds degrees in music education from Southern Methodist University and conducting from Texas Christian University, grounding his compositional voice in pedagogical insight and ensemble expertise.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Burrows serves as Director of Children's Ministries at FUMC and continues to develop a substantial catalog published by major houses across the country. His music consistently reaches performers who value both artistic substance and practical accessibility.
Why we love this
Burrows has set Sara Teasdale's reflective poetry with genuine musical depth, using text painting and harmonic choices that illuminate the poem's meaning without overselling it. The writing feels mature and considered rather than merely decorative, making it a substantial addition to SSA repertoire that doesn't require extensive range or technical demands to move an audience. This is the kind of piece that earns respect from musicians and listeners alike.
What to expect
The piece inhabits a quiet, introspective emotional space. Rather than dramatic gestures, Burrows creates intimacy through carefully chosen harmonies and vocal writing that feels conversational, as if the words are being spoken as much as sung. The overall effect is moving and poignant, the kind of performance that leaves lingering silence in the room.
Who it's for
Intermediate to advanced SSA choirs seeking substantial, artistically rewarding concert repertoire. This octavo serves choirs comfortable with sensitive interpretation and willing to sit with the contemplative mood of Teasdale's reflection on mortality. Solo recitalists can also program it in contexts where choral or small ensemble participation is possible.
How to get the most out of it
- Honor the pacing of Teasdale's words by allowing space between phrases; resist the urge to rush through the text even when harmonies are dense.
- Attend to dynamic subtlety and weight shifts in the middle voice, which often carries supporting harmonic material that shapes the overall sonority.
- Shape phrases toward moments of text emphasis rather than treating measures uniformly; let the poetry guide phrasing decisions.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert closer or as part of a thematic program exploring mortality, legacy, or poetry in music. It also serves well in contest or festival programming where artistry and emotional depth outweigh purely technical display. Consider pairing it with other Teasdale settings or contrasting lighter repertoire earlier in the program to let this piece settle into its own contemplative space.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and interpreting poetic text within musical context
- Balancing harmonic complexity with sustained, connected tone production
- Shaping phrases guided by textual meaning rather than metric structure
- Ensemble blend and balance when middle voice carries harmonic weight