1 2
Publisher edition

A Winter Landscape

Read about this song
Listen

Listen to the song

Recording: SATB divisi, unaccompanied Performed by NAU Shrine of Ages

SATB · Publisher Edition

About this song

  • Available forSATB
  • MusicLane Johnson
  • WordsMathilde Blind
  • AccompanimentUnaccompanied
  • LevelAdvanced
  • Duration~4:00
  • Performance noteSuitable for university mixed choirs and advanced high school and community choirs.

Mathilde Blind's poem, "A Winter Landscape", is a beautiful metaphor that compares powerful life messages to a snowstorm and the stunning beauty left behind. 

The text helps us understand that if we can find a way to endure, in the end what may have appeared to be a dark and insurmountable challenge, has turned into a thing of beauty, and a bigger picture has emerged. Though it may be easy to look at the stars and think of one's insignificance in the universe, if allowed, life will teach us that we are all stars among the stars.

This piece was commissioned by Northern Arizona University's Dr. Edith Copley and premiered at a Christmas celebration as well as at the Western ACDA convention.

Lyrics
All night, all day, in dizzy, downward flight, Fell the wild-whirling, vague, chaotic snow, Till every landmark of the earth below, Trees, moorlands, roads, and each familiar sight Were blotted out by the bewildering white. And winds, now shrieking loud, now whimpering low, Seemed lamentations for the world-old woe That death must swallow life, and darkness light. But all at once the rack was blown away, The snowstorm hushing ended in a sigh; Then like a flame the crescent moon on high Leaped forth among the planets; pure as they, Earth vied in whiteness with the Milky Way: Herself a star beneath the starry sky.
What your purchase includes

Your selected digital edition and the license shown above. No physical shipment is required.

License and ordering help

Choose the voicing and license that match your ensemble. If you are unsure, contact Lane before ordering.