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Commissioned by the Richmond (VA) Choral Society in celebration of their 75th concert season: 1947-2022
The text for this song is divided into two sections. The opening lines (of anonymous origin) form a blessing as one embark's on life's journey. The way is long. Let us go together.
The second stanza (from the writings of Leo Tolstoy) speaks of where one's journey might lead. Where there is faith, there is love... Ultimately, as the journey leads to God, there is completeness. [As Tolstoy would say, there is no need.]
The musical setting contrasts the two texts. The blessing (for a journey) opens with flowing (arpeggiated) piano accompaniment marked, At a gentle, traveling tempo. In contrast, the second section is characterized by a rhythmic style. This is driven music and the conclusion comes with God, completeness, ALL!
At the end, the opening, flowing phrases return. All voices sing, Let us go together. A single piano in the piano high range signifies the departure.
Notes by the composer