"Haunted Houses" - SATB Choir + Piano - Clark William Lawlor

"Haunted Houses"
Original composition for SATB choir (w/divisi) & piano by Clark William Lawlor
J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice (Spring 2024)
Text adapted from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Haunted Houses"
Elevate your next spooky concert with this thrilling new selection for mixed choirs! This original work effortlessly floats from eerie, shadowy melodies to a quasi-ragtime adventure through Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Victorian-era poem "Haunted Houses." Don't miss this spine-tingling musical experience for your choir, perfect for Halloween or any time during the concert season.
Sheet music available now!
www.endeavormusicpublishing.c...
Or at J.W. Pepper
www.jwpepper.com/Haunted-Hous...
Recorded by members of the Santos Chamber Singers, Matthew Paez, director, with Jared Pierce, piano.
Text:
All houses wherein men have lived and died
Are haunted houses. Through the open doors
The harmless phantoms on their errands glide,
With feet that make no sound upon the floors.
We meet them at the doorway, on the stair,
Impalpable impressions on the air,
Along the passages they come and go,
A sense of something moving to and fro.
There are more guests at the table than the hosts
Invited; the illuminated hall
Is thronged with quiet, inoffensive ghosts,
As silent as the pictures on the wall.
The stranger at my fireside cannot see
The forms I see, nor hear the sounds I hear;
But unto me all that has been
Is visible and clear.
The spirit-world around this world of sense
Wafts through these earthly mists and vapours dense,
Floats like an atmosphere, and everywhere,
A vital breath of more ethereal air.
And from the world of spirits there descends,
O'er this unsteady floor, that sways and bends,
A bridge of light, connecting it with this,
Wander our thoughts above the dark abyss.
All houses wherein men have lived and died
Are haunted houses!
- Adapted from "Haunted Houses"
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 - 1882)

[@audreybitikofer1826]

I CANT, THIS WAS SPECTACULAR (that's the right word for it)!!!!!!!!

[@VisorTelevision]

Good sir, I lack words to describe this beautiful piece. Where do I even begin?
Well, I don't know where would be appropriate to begin, so I'll take a guess: How about the overall theme of the song? This is a very solemn tone that seems to be almost warning the listener; however, it knows not to take itself too seriously. The use of vibrato (especially in the D section; you've gotta adore those sopranos) and the ghostly noises bring a sense of silliness to this supernatural symphony. The staccato and legato are balanced precariously so that it matches the heaviness of the text. Overall, this is an excellent adaptation of Mr. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and I believe that he would surely approve of such a song.
In regards to the music, let's discuss the sheer level of variety throughout the piece. There is a certain level of repetition exemplified throughout the choral that is brought to life with variations, both big and small. In spite of this, however, it is very tentative to the level of variation as to not lose the listener. I could imagine that the average person (someone who can't read sheet music, for instance) would be able to appreciate the incredible quality and complexity of the piece but not be consumed, overwhelmed, and overstimulated. Furthermore, this is especially emphasized with the level of dissonance (don't think I don't see that C°7 - B°7/G - Cm; loving that resolution). The practice of that balancing act is hard at times and perhaps one of the most difficult things to achieve as a composer (I know it is for me, at least), but you seem to have performed this balancing act effortlessly! That is beyond respectable, my friend.
As for particular moments I enjoyed, I found the tenor and piano solos most enjoyable. I'll have to try out the tenor solo one day. I could go on and on, but I believe that my point has been made: *This is truly something special.*
Bravo, Clark! Keep up the good work!
🌟🌟🌟

[@clarkwilliamlawlor]

Wow, such a glowing--and *detailed*--review! Well put. I was certainly going for solemn and spooky, but also fun ("not taking itself too seriously"). Thank you so much! Please share this with anyone you think might enjoy programming it for their fall choir concert!

[@VisorTelevision]

@@clarkwilliamlawlor I will! I'll share it with my choir director as well as a few other directors in my area. Maybe I'll take a crack at the piano part! Once again, bravo, good sir!