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Choral ~ General ~ A Cappella



“Have You Forgotten?”

(An original setting of the poem by Christina Rossetti)



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SCORING:  SATB a cappella (some divisi)

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DESCRIPTION

The poet Christina Rossetti is perhaps best known for “In the Bleak Midwinter,” but she wrote many other poems as well, many of which extol the virtues of love.

This particular sonnet evokes the first awkward stirrings of romance, and my music seeks to capture the magical and dreamy quality of the poem.

TEXT INFO

Have You Forgotten?

Words by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

Complete text:

Have you forgotten how one Summer night
     We wandered forth together with the moon,
     While warm winds hummed to us a sleepy tune?
Have you forgotten how you praised both light
And darkness; not embarrassed yet not quite
     At ease? and how you said the glare of noon
     Less pleased you than the stars? but very soon
You blushed, and seemed to doubt if you were right.

We wandered far and took no note of time;
     Till on the air there came the distant call
Of church bells: we turned hastily, and yet
Ere we reached home, sounded a second chime.
     But what, have you indeed forgotten all?
Ah, how then is it I cannot forget?

Watch video below!