The Music Of Living: SSAA Choral Octavo

Forrest writes with uncommon sensitivity to what makes a text soar vocally. The SSAA voicing receives the full force of his melodic gift here, and the piece manages to be both emotionally substantial and singable by developing choirs. You'll program this because it deserves repeating; singers will want to perform it again.

Meditative and introspective, with moments of quiet affirmation. The harmonic language is accessible but never simplistic, and the overall effect is one of gentle spiritual reflection rather than bombast.

SSAA choirs seeking substantial sacred repertoire that neither condescends nor overreaches. This works for college and advanced high school ensembles with some rehearsal time invested.

• Shape the phrases according to the text's natural breath points rather than the bar lines. Forrest writes metrically, but the poetry should guide your phrasing.
• Balance the inner voices carefully; the accompaniment can easily swallow the alto line if the harmonic texture isn't transparent.
• Let the dynamics serve the emotional arc of the text. Forrest's markings are precise, and following them reveals the emotional architecture beneath the surface.

Pair this with lighter or more energetic pieces to anchor a mixed concert program. It also serves well as a concert closer, where its contemplative character can settle in without competition.

• Sustaining vocal line independence across multiple parts
• Interpreting Forrest's specific harmonic language and voice leading
• Coordinating melody and accompaniment in contemporary textures
• Managing emotional subtext through dynamic and tempo control