This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
I live not where I love
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs, Folk songs
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
I live not where I love by Geoffrey Shaw — Lyrics
Peaceful flows the winding river,
By the weeping willow tree,
Pretty bloom the gay primroses,
In the meadow where they be.
Joyful sings the lark in heaven,
Gently coos the turtle dove;
But my heart is heavy in me,
For I live not where I love.
Read full lyrics
About I live not where I love
Geoffrey Shaw sets a poignant English text in this SATB setting. The music opens with flowing lines and gentle harmonies, reflecting the pastoral imagery of the opening verses and the peaceful river. As the text turns to the singer's longing, the harmonic language becomes more expressive, conveying the sorrow of separation. The interplay between the four vocal parts skillfully captures the tender emotions of unrequited love and homesickness. This is a beautifully crafted part-song, suitable for a choir seeking to explore the expressive possibilities of a familiar folk-like sentiment with sensitive musical treatment.
