Composer: Clifford W. KingDetailsFormat: Mixed Choir - 4 voicesVoicing: SATBIncidental Divisi: S, A, T, BSolo Requirements: YodelAccompaniment: instrumental ensembleInstrumentation: pianotree branchesNotation: standard & non-standard elementsNon-standard Notational Elements: tree branches percussionPerformance Length: 6:00 Study Scores & Audio FilesStudy Score & Audio Order Printed ScoresOrder site / Alternate source of score: CliffordWKing.com Texts & TranslationsLanguage(s): EnglishText Source: Harrison B. Merrill Text: The desire to climb is an instinct of humanity. I embark on my ascent and cross intricate paths and trails through tangles of luxurious ferns and dainty columbines. Over velvety mosses I passed the hillside strewn about with pretty pebbles and past milky waterfalls that cause strange birds to sing. I left smoke and dirt and dust behind at lower altitudes for the distilled air of higher elevations. After I catch my breath I continue on my journey. I feel life surging through me. The summit stands before me! It’s shadow covers me. With mighty effort I draw myself up a ledge of rock. Rock on rock. Stone on stone. The summit! At last! Harrison B. Merrill from “The Lure of the Summit” Timpanogos: Wonder Mountain (1922) adapted by the composer Just leave my spirit here somewhere. Oh, Lord, let this be heaven. Harrison B. Merrill from "O God, Let this be Heaven" (1938) adapted by the composer Programming AidsPerformance Difficulty: moderateSeasonal Usage: SpringGraduationMemorial ServicesDescriptive Terms: natureclimbinghopeserenityjourneyAllow Excerpts: Composition is a single movementComposer’s Notes: This piece is about climbing a mountain. It captures the hard work, the beauty, and the serenity of the climb and reaching the summit. It is a good opportunity to use a variety of vocal colors from dark and smooth to a bright folksy color. An added instrument of tree branches provide visual interest and bring the element of nature into the performance. This is a dramatic piece that uses extended techniques in all parts and truly tells a story. Additional InformationDate of Completion: January, 2018Date of First Performance: Thursday, March 29, 2018Premier Performance Data: Wasatch Chorale (Jennifer Heder, cond), Orem High School, Orem UT
