When going through my single copy file, I knew I had to pull this one. I have loved this piece ever since I first sang it in high school. Now, as I look back at it, I can see its merit as a teaching tool.
This piece would be appropriate for a large high-achieving high school ensemble. The divisis in each voice part as well as the large ranges demand such an ensemble. This piece is also highly reliant on the singers' ability to sing musically.
The ranges for each voice part are large and extreme. The altos and basses have very extreme lows. The tenors and sopranos spend a lot of time in their high ranges and passagio. On the upside, each part acts as a melodic voice and an accompanimental voice at some point.
This piece is a great tool to teach line and legato. There are ample opportunities for expressive text painting and use of consonants. Rhythmic complexities give the singers the challenge of counting, and working together as an ensemble.
The poetry by Sara Teasdale is simple linguistically, which makes it accessible to students. However, it is still exceedingly beautiful. The imagery is precise and gorgeous. The poetry is not entirely specific about the kind of love it describes, and so most students could find something to relate it to.
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