Two Benedictions
Words and music by Ginger Reynolds.
We Sing You on to Learning
for voice and accompaniment.
Go Gently Now
for voice, piano and optional solo instrument.
We Sing You on to Learning for voice and accompaniment (piano, organ or guitar) is suitable for group singing. Chord symbols are included in the score.
The song was written in the summer of 2007. The composer had in mind a church congregation singing, while the the children and youth departed for their classes. The piece has been used in this function since the premiere in September 2007 at Unity Church Unitarian in St. Paul, MN.
The composition is brief, sequential and easy to learn. One noticable feature is that the vocal part does not end on a traditional note. The song is in the key of C, but the vocal line ends on the note "G" with an optional part written for the piano resolved in the key of C. Although not intended as an affectation, this is the way the notes revealed themselves to the composer. On further reflection she thinks that this is symbolic of the fact that we do indeed turn over our children, with trust, to their guides and teachers. We trust them to the future, we send them on thier way with our hearts and minds, we do not determine their resolutions.
Go Gently Now for voice, piano and optional solo instrument was written by Ginger Reynolds to honor those who guide us, those who comfort us, those who inspire us so that we might better accomplish our necessary and vital tasks in the world at large. The premiere was on January 27, 2008 at Unity Unitarian Church in St. Paul, MN. The featured performers were Cathy Crosby-Schmidt, voice; Sarah Carmack, oboe; Ruth Palmer, piano. The music and words of this 3 minute piece are calm and comforting and are not difficult technically.
If you or your group would like to perform "Two Benedictions",
sheet music is available for purchase. Contact Ginger.
