She Waits for Me(text: anonymous) for mixed choir, a cappella; 4’(2017) (commissioned by the UW-Madison Chorale)
composer's note: Along with "Little Things," this piece was commissioned as part of a choral concert on the theme of bicycles and bike-riding. I just love the way this text is gently funny, but also so sweet and warm. Its source is anonymous, but it feels very Victorian and droll, and so I set it as something like a Victorian parlor song, with some clichéd but lovely & rich harmonies, and a general sense of jovial warmth.
text: When worn and tired with toil and care I homeward wheel my way, A thought dispels my dark despair And lights the homeward way; A vision fair far up the street With straining eyes I see - I hurry then my love to meet - I know she waits for me.
She waits for me, my love, my own She greets me with a smile, I hear again her tender tone, It shortens every mile. She waits for me, because, you see, Like lightning she can go - At every turn she waits for me - I ride so awful slow!