Gentle Words

Description

Voice 1, Voice 2, Voice 3, Piano — Gentle Words was composed around 1867, and was likely a response to negative rhetoric that resulted from the Civil War. Sister Polly M. Rupe lived in the Shaker community of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. Having visited the community numerous times while living in Kentucky, I found that this Shaker tune expressed my own personal hope that all of us might find a way to live peaceably in our current world.In this arrangement in a minor key, Parts I and II begin in unison, adding Part III a few measures later. The melody is passed around among Parts I and II, and Part III is either in countermelody or a very accessible simple harmony with other parts. It is important that the melody is always able to be heard throughout. As we head "home" to the end, a key change occurs, the chorus repeats a modified first verse. As it heads toward the ending there is some original material composed to emphasize the text "Links of love are broken by words unkind." The phrase "gentle words" is repeated for the coda of this arrangement, with a final surprise of a major chord on the end.May we all remember to speak gentle words to our friends, loved ones, and all persons with whom we enjoy this life. May we gladly speak gently. This hauntingly beautiful Shaker tune expresses the hope that all of us might find a way to live peaceably in our current world. May we all remember to speak gentle words to our friends, loved ones, and all persons with whom we enjoy this life. May we gladly speak gently.

Preview Pages