I Am Not Yours
I Am Not Yours
SATB a cappella (with divisi) – CP 2478 – duration 2:55
Winner of the Chronos Vocal Ensemble Composition Competition, 2024, I Am Not Yours is a setting of Sara Teasdale’s poignant poem exploring the emotional tension between love and selfhood. The text expresses the longing to merge with another while also holding onto one’s own identity—a universal experience for anyone who has felt both swept up and undone by love. Though grounded in Teasdale’s personal voice, the poem’s emotional depth speaks to a wide audience.
The music begins with a subdued, introspective tone, capturing the speaker’s vulnerability and inner conflict. As the piece unfolds, tempo and dynamics gradually build, reflecting the poem’s rising emotional intensity. The music then softens into a more contemplative space, suggesting quiet resolve or resignation.
Written for SATB a cappella with divisi, this piece is ideal for advanced choirs seeking expressive, text-driven repertoire. It fits beautifully within concert themes such as Love and Longing, The Inner Voice, Women’s Words, or Reflections on Identity. With its lyrical lines, dynamic contrasts, and emotional nuance, I Am Not Yours invites performers and listeners into a raw and resonant exploration of the complexities of love and self-discovery.
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