This isn't an assignment, except that I hope you'll take a few minutes and listen to this. Two friends of mine brought this piece to my attention, and I found this mini-testimonial about the young composer's experience when he finished it:
You will all notice, I am sure, that the melody of the piece has certain characteristics near and dear to the hearts of Kodály educators everywhere...behold the power of pentatony!
And, just in case your choral travels haven't included this little poem before (originally penned and set, I believe, by Elizabeth Poston), here are the words. They're definitely Christian in their content, but I think the desire for rest and safety is more relatable than usual for everyone at this time of year. So, my friends, may you rest under the shadow of whatever brings you peace.
The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The tree of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the Appletree
His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know, but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the Appletree
For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
I missed of all, but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the Appletree
I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest awhile
Under the shadow I will be
Of Jesus Christ the Appletree
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the Appletree
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