“Good Night, Dear Heart”

“Good Night, Dear Heart” by Dan Forrest is a stunning example of choral music interpreting and expressing the deepest of human emotions.  Forrest has taken a family tragedy as his muse, and poured out a musical elegy.  The text is by Mark Twain – he placed it on the tombstone of his beloved daughter Susy, who died unexpectedly at age 24:

          “Warm summer sun
                          shine kindly here, 
           Warm southern wind
                         blow softly here,
           Green sod above
                         lie light, lie light,
           Good night, dear heart,
                        good night, good night”

Written for SATB divisi voices a cappella, this piece is an astonishing illustration of beautiful melody and rich harmonies reflecting an equally moving text.  Perfect for a concert of commemoration and remembrance, festival or contest adjudication, or even for Memorial Day.  Listen to the stunning recording here.