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Let Us Be Kind 
(Kindness & Envy)

FROM: Virtues and Vices: 7 Pieces for SATB Chorus and Piano

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VOICING: SATB, Soprano & Alto Solo, with Piano

 

DIFFICULTY: medium 

 

TONE: unhurried

 

DURATION: 4'20"

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YEAR COMPOSED: 2024

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GENERAL: This work was commissioned by Sound Ecologies Inc. (Indiana 2024, Luke Garrigus, President). It premiered at Choral Reflections: Sacred Music by Indiana Composers at the University of Indianapolis, on March 7, 2024. (Recording Below)

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PERUSAL SCORE

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TEXT: Walter Lomax Childress (1867-1936)

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Let Us Be Kind (Kindness & Envy) 

 

Let us be kind;
The way is long and lonely,
And human hearts are asking for this blessing only—
That we be kind.
We cannot know the grief that men may borrow,
We cannot see the souls storm-swept by sorrow,
But love can shine upon the way to-day, to-morrow—
Let us be kind.


Let us be kind;
This is a wealth that has no measure,
This is of Heaven and earth the highest treasure—
Let us be kind.
A tender word, a smile of love in meeting,
A song of hope and victory to those retreating,
A glimpse of God and brotherhood while life is fleeting—
Let us be kind.


Let us be kind;
Around the world the tears of time are falling,
And for the loved and lost these human hearts are calling—
Let us be kind.
To age and youth let gracious words be spoken;
Upon the wheel of pain so many lives are broken,
We live in vain who give no tender token—
Let us be kind.

 

Let us be kind;
The sunset tints will soon be in the west,
Too late the flowers are laid then on the quiet breast—
Let us be kind.
And when the angel guides have sought and found us,
Their hands shall link the broken ties of earth that bound us,
And Heaven and home shall brighten all around us—
Let us be kind.

Note from the Composer

“Let Us Be Kind” is the seventh movement of Virtues and Vices: 7 Pieces for SATB Chorus and Piano and it explores the virtue/vice of kindness/envy. This folksy ballad unhurriedly marches forward with warmth and buoyancy that supports the text. The title “Let Us Be Kind” by Walter Lomax Childress is a plea, a request, and a consideration for all. He encourages all people to choose to be kind because it is good, it is needed, it is virtuous. The text highlights the brokenness of humanity and how kindness is a tool that mends and repairs us. Each layer in the music has a symbolic role. The steady quarter notes in the right hand of the piano represent the constant motion and movement of life. The syncopated rising left hand of the piano represents the friction and brokenness we experience. Solos and unisons highlight the unique challenges and joys of the individual while harmonic moments highlight these experiences within a community. Borrowed chords and wandering tonality highlight the constant twists and turns of life. Amidst all of this, let us be kind.

Ordering Scores

This work is published as a digital score with a performance license. The cost is $3.00 per score, 10 copy minimum order. See "Virtues and Vices" to purchase the complete multi-movement work. 

 

To Order:

  • Click the link to email Daniel Watson Music LLC. 

  • Specify the total number of performers (include all singers, directors, pianists) and the name of your choir.

  • An invoice will be sent to you via PayPal requesting payment.  

  • Once payment is received, you will emailed the licensed PDF for the above number of copies within three business days (excluding weekends and holidays).

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