THERE ROLLS THE DEEP 2 FROM LOVE WAS MY LORD & KING WALKER (6372 ) (TTBB Secular )
There Rolls the Deep speaks of the Tennyson affirmation of life. "For in my spirit will I dwell...I cannot think the thing farewell."
The poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) is characterized by dark, yet transcendent imagery -- the depths of the ocean, the triumph of the spirit. These poems seem well-suited to musical settings for Men's Chorus. The deep tones. The sonority of male voices (perhaps speaking for the poet) rising in song.
Throughout the varied imagery of this poetry -- the depth of the sea, the dark of the night, the tumult of passion and the acceptance of death -- there speaks one, central message. "Love was my lord and king."
*Sound recording provided by the High School Mens's Honor Choir, Robert Ward, conductor (Southwestern ACDA Conference 2014)