This edition was prepared by Michael Gray — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Emily's Birds
Staff Notation • Secular, Children's songs
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Emily's Birds by Michael Gray — Lyrics
I
To hear an Oriole sing
May be a common thing —
Or only a divine.
It it not of the Bird
Who sings the same, unheard,
As unto Crowd —
The Fashion of the Ear
Attireth that it hear
In Dun, or fair —
So whether it be Rune,
Or whether it be none
Is of within.
The "Tune is in the Tree —"
The Skeptic — showith me —
"No sir! In Thee!"
II
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About Emily's Birds
Michael Gray’s Emily’s Birds is a delightful unison setting of Emily Dickinson’s evocative poetry exploring the subjective nature of hearing birdsong. The text, divided into three sections, moves from the 'divine' experience of an oriole’s song to the scientific observation of a bird’s developing melody, and finally to the simple presence of a bird on a walk. This piece is ideal for children’s choirs, offering an engaging way to explore nuanced lyrical themes through music. The clear English text and straightforward unison line make it accessible for young singers, allowing them to focus on the expressive qualities of the poetry and the musical setting.
