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About the Composer
Timothy C. Takach
Timothy C. Takach Publications
Earth (Only Here)
“Earth (Only Here)” celebrates the uniqueness of our planet amidst our solar system: the only place where life brings about the nuance of humanity, community and faith.
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Helios (cycle)
SATB div. a cappella
In a movement from Takach’s masterful Helios, “Earth (Only Here)” features the poetry by Brian Newhouse which celebrates the uniqueness of our planet amidst our solar system. Among all our planets, Earth is the only place where life brings about the nuance of humanity, community and faith. From a homophonic start, the piece builds to a climactic canvas of sweeping texture as “whole new heavens are born.” The piece draws to a beautiful, peaceful ending and is sure to be a favorite among singers and audiences both.
Composer’s Notes
When we think about our place in the solar system, suddenly our own spheres of being seem very small. In fact, the whole planet seems to be such a tiny piece in an enormous puzzle. We’ve exerted our influence over the surrounding planets by naming them and giving them characteristics that are human in nature. But Earth still remains the only place within billions of miles that supports life. Our existence on this planet is one of the most unique occurrences in the solar system, and for good and bad Earth is where there is love and war, where we feel compassion, and where we pray. I love that our oldest myths and legends were born of faith and yet, as we continue to be enlightened through science, faith is still something that brings and holds people together. This planet of water stands out from its neighbors and although we feel small, our lives should feel precious and irreplaceable.
– Timothy C. Takach, 2018
Text
My skies blaze and dazzle with ice,
lava burns in my veins.
All the glories of the gods are here—
but no gods gave me their name.
Mars may boast about war,
but only here are there blades,
and only here blood-stained soil.
Venus may preach on love,
but only here does an eye meet an eye
and whole new heavens are born.
Only here is there spring,
only here the breath of the rose.
Only here is there miracle, suffering, awe—
and only here do they kneel in prayer.
-Brian Newhouse.
Commissioned for Helios. Used with Permission.
$2.15 per licensed PDF
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