Although there have been many settings of this inspired text, either under this title or American poet Sara Teasdale's original title, Barter, Carey's setting is the most intently aware of the sad irony of the poem as viewed in the context of Teasdale's eventual death by suicide. This is revealed in the use of minor and modal harmonies and the pang of melancholy intertwined with moments of soaring beauty. This sensitive setting will offer conductors the opportunity to teach flowing lines as well as the elements of choral blend and tuning. |
