Seed

"Seed" is a setting of "Declaration" by poet Elsa Gidlow, (free spirit, spiritual mystic, and author of the first volume of openly lesbian love poetry published in North America: On a Grey Thread. (1923). "Seed" is an ode to living life to its fullest- out loud, in the light. It was commissioned by the Contra Costa Chorale to honor Artistic Director Cindy Beitman for 12 years of inspiring service as Artistic Director. Cindy was to have conducted the premiere, but shortly before the concert date, finally succumbed to a cancer she had survived for nearly 7 years. The work is richly textured, woven with varying tempi and voicing. Altos are featured.

Item Voicing Duration
JS-123 SATB 4:45
Audio file
$2.75
Commissioned by
Contra Costa Chorale, Cindy Beitman Artistic Director
Mixed Choir
Difficulty
Moderate

Declaration

Elsa Gidlow (1898-1986)

I am a seed in the dust, A live root bedded in night, And I am filled with a lust for something the worms call light. From what seed-pod I was blown Matters little to me, Why and by whom I was sown Or what the reaping may be. I only wait for my hour When I shall be done with night, When I shall thrill into flower And drink till I die of light.