The Wind: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Gardner's setting captures Stevenson's mysterious words with a piano accompaniment that genuinely evokes the wind's presence without overwhelming young singers. The vocal ranges are thoughtfully written so that treble voices can sing comfortably while still accessing the poem's intrigue and beauty, making this a piece where musicality emerges naturally rather than through struggle.

The piece unfolds with an atmospheric quality, as if the piano itself is the wind moving through the text. Stevenson's meditation on hidden mysteries combines with Gardner's musical setting to create something both ethereal and grounded, inviting singers and listeners into quiet contemplation.

This octavo works well for middle school and high school treble choirs seeking a piece with literary substance that doesn't require extensive vocal maturity. Singers appreciate the clear phrasing and accessible ranges, while directors value a composition that brings genuine artistry to programming.

• Shape the phrases to follow the natural rhythm of Stevenson's language; the text should drive the musical line rather than the reverse.
• Explore the dynamic contrast between moments where the wind is suggested gently and where it builds in intensity through the piano.
• Balance the singers' tone to blend with the piano's texture; think of the voices as part of the overall sonic landscape rather than as a separate element.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in rehearsal to help singers internalize the piece's harmonic color and phrasing.

Consider this for a concert section exploring poetry and literature, where it can sit alongside other settings of classical verse. It also works as a reflective moment in a concert of varied moods, offering contrast to more energetic pieces while remaining substantial enough to stand on its own.

• Singing with text clarity while maintaining musical line
• Blending treble voices across different registers
• Interpreting poetic language through musical phrasing
• Responding to piano accompaniment and matching its dynamic coloring
• Building ensemble cohesion in a piece with transparent, exposed harmonies