Preview: Dover Beach
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SKU: CF.CM9755
Composed by Ashley Dame Meredith Tompkins. Mjts. 12 pages. Duration 2 minutes, 33 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9755. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9755).ISBN 9781491162439. UPC: 680160921188. Key: D minor. English. Matthew Arnold (1822-1888).
The luminous text of the poem "Dover Beach" by English poet Matthew Arnold is the inspiration for the rolling and weaving melodies of this undulating piece. In his writing, Arnold ponders how the vastness of the sea and the thrashing waves that crash on the sand and rocks seem to mirror the melancholy in his heart. He comes back to the steadfast nature of the cliffs of England that allow the light of the moon to gleam across and then scatter into darkness. The echoing phrases are intended to create concrete repetitions that mirror the original unison melody with minor deviations. In turn, the driving passages will challenge the performer while providing arpeggiated accompaniment to propel them forward.INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES and RANGES: This work is composed for the needs of tenor-bass voices, with both a reasonable range and comfortable tessitura. The call-and-response sections allow for singers to easily hear their part while developing harmonic foundations and listening skills. Sustained phrases are strategically written to strengthen breath support and the passaggio during the challenges of navigating through various phases of vocal development. The descant portion is a great option for solos or small ensembles.