A Shadow (Mixed Voices/Accompaniment)

A Shadow is an 8-minute setting for mixed choir (SSAATTBB) of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s (1807–1882) poem, which expresses the feelings of a father who knows he is unlikely to see what will come to pass in the lives of his children. This First World War-themed work was premiered at the 2018 BBC Proms performed by the BBC Proms Youth Choir under the direction of Simon Halsey. The setting includes moments of dramatic and exclamatory questioning, of flowing passages denoting the enjoyment in life, and softer moments of calm contemplation. Metallophones are played by some of the singers to represent the unchanging flow of time.