If Pity reign with Beauty

Jennifer Bastable sets a contemplative English text that explores the relationship between beauty and pity. The speaker questions why they should persevere in despair when the potential for help seems assured through such a union. The piece is scored for solo soprano and a female-voice trio (SAA), making it ideal for smaller ensembles or as a featured solo number within a larger program. Its secular nature and part-song style place it within the tradition of English choral writing, offering a thoughtful and expressive musical setting of this poignant text.