Love is Anterior to Life, by Bettina Sheppard

This meditative setting of Emily Dickinson’s poetry creates a beautiful, distant, and abstract atmosphere. This piece layers repeating lines and culminates in the full recitation of the short poem in the bass. The effect is both engaging and transportive. It’s simple to perform for just about any ensemble and a captivating concert opener.

Five Part Mixed Chorus

Audio Credit: Performed by C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective, Colin Britt, Conductor. Find this recording on C4’s latest album, C4: Cornerstones.