Now and Ever, Ever So

An a cappella setting for mixed chorus of a poem by Scott Cairns.

Duration: 6' 15"
Difficulty: 4/5 (Difficulty Rating Overview)

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• Voicing & Instrumentation

  VOICES

  Mixed Chorus (a cappella, divisi, no solos)

• Notes

  “In this new piece, both poet and composer make optimum use of the metaphors of light and darkness.” (Michael Capps, from the program notes for the premiere performance)
  

  "Now and Ever, Ever So, to words by Scott Cairns, begins with the upper voices, the sopranos unfolding a melodic line over a held note in the altos. The word “ever” is characterised by a ‘Scotch-snap’ rhythm (the first part of the rhythm being shorter than the second). This is interwoven into the fabric of the score, amid rich blocks of sound created by expansive chords, and the work culminates in an exquisitely gentle 'Amen'." (Joanna Wyld, from the liner notes to the 2015 recording Let Beauty Be Our Memorial)

• Text

  Now and Ever, Ever So

  Scott Cairns (1954- )

  For all our weeping, still the sun

  has filled our morning with a grace

  that promises in time an end

  to this and every darkness.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  For every season dimmed by fear

  a comfort comes to raise the sight,

  so that the gaze might greet the fair,

  consoling kiss of light.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  He is the light that heals, the very light

  that fills all things with life.

  The very light endowing each with sight

  sufficient for our night.

  And God of very God infusing all

  with unremitting life.

  From Him the ache and arc of love’s pure call

  proceeds to bid us rise.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  The moon behind its breath of cloud

  reveals how even light obscured

  provides illumination through

  our night and every veil.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  At every turn that tears the heart,

  at every fear that severs each

  thus torn, to every wounded part,

  the brilliant balm will reach.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  Now and ever, ever so.

  Copyright © 2014 by Scott Cairns. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

• Commission and Performance History

  Now and Ever, Ever So was commissioned by Image Journal in celebration of its 25th Anniversary. It was premiered on 8 November 2014 at St. James Cathedral in Seattle by Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Loren W. Pontén.

Purchase Now and Ever, Ever So

Choral Scores:

Order one score per singer plus one each for the conductor and the rehearsal pianist. Scores are delivered as PDF files. Purchase of choral scores includes permission to make the number of copies ordered.

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Choral Score - $2.25

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