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The Vanished Song
Choral, SSAA, unaccompanied
Words by, Mary Rolofson Gamble
I stumbled across the works of Mary Rolofson Gamble while researching the choral works of Florence B. Price. Price set Gamble's poem Witch of the Meadow, and after analyzing that choral work, I went in search of more of Gamble's poetry. I cannot find biographical information on Gamble, but I did find a book of her poetry.
This poem, The Vanished Song, stuck with me long after I read it, and I knew it was one that I wanted to set. The poem has many interpretations, but I see it as a look at youthful fantasies through wisdom's eyes.
Both the beginning and end of the piece begin with the music as solo. Before the end of solo, the rest of the singers (or a small group) enter independently and in a similar tempo. Singers repeat text until conductor signals.
Run Time and Level
This piece runs at about 4 minutes and 40 seconds. It was written for High School and Collegiate ensembles.