$2.50
Instrumentation: SATB (Divisi) Choir
Duration: 4:00
From Ocean Poems
I. When We’re Gone 10,000 Years (4:00)
II. I’m Still Here (4:00)
Premiered by: C3LA: The Contemporary Choral Collective of Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA in 2019)
I’m Still Here, the sixth poem from Ocean Poems, sets the beautiful poem of the same name by Jonathan Talberg, Director of Choral, Vocal, & Opera Studies at California State University, Long Beach. The poem is dedicated to Al Talberg (1928-2018), Dr. Talberg’s father. The piece opens with an insistent rhythmic motor, which is passed among the parts throughout the piece. The constant motion of the repeated text symbolizes the continuing presence of our loved ones, stating “I’m here. I’m still here.”. This rhythmic motif continues in various permutations until the final chord, finally resting on the words “I’m still here twixt sea and sky”, reminding us that our loved ones are always with us.
This piece may be performed as a stand-alone piece or paired with When We’re Gone 10,000 Years as the complete Ocean Poems suite. This piece would be suitable for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional choirs.
Horizon twixt sea and sky
Prospect, vista, or realm,
Gives perspective on life even death cannot quell.
Creating and being on this hallowed sphere
and silently chanting:
“I’m here. I’m still here.”
