Everyone Sang

SSAATTBB a cappella

(Yes, it is 8 parts, but it is accessible. It has been done often with high school choirs.)

Duration 5:00

Text by Siegfried Sassoon

Notes

This piece starts with a very interesting aleatoric section which will grab your audience. It then develops into flowing melodies which layer and build to a wonderful climax.

Text

Everyone suddenly burst out singing;
And I was filled with such delight
As prisoned birds must find in freedom,
Winging wildly across the white
Orchards and dark-green fields; on - on - and out of sight.

Everyone's voice was suddenly lifted;
And beauty came like the setting sun:
My heart was shaken with tears; and horror
Drifted away ... O, but Everyone
Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing will never be done.