This edition was prepared by Michael Gray — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Farewell
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Farewell by Michael Gray — Lyrics
Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing,
And like enough thou know'st thy estimate,
The Charter of thy worth gives thee releasing:
My bonds in thee are all determinate.
For how do I hold thee but by thy granting,
And for that riches where is my deserving?
The cause of this fair gift in me is wanting,
And so my patent back again is swerving.
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About Farewell
Michael Gray’s Farewell sets a sonnet by William Shakespeare. The music unfolds with an interplay between the three voices of the SAB choir, reflecting the poignant theme of parting. The text speaks of a love so precious it must be relinquished, likening possession to a dream that fades upon waking. The composer captures the melancholic beauty of Shakespeare’s words, exploring the complex emotions of letting go. This secular English part-song offers a thoughtful and expressive setting, suitable for choirs looking to explore the rich tradition of English lyric poetry through music.
