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Jocelyn Hagen

Jocelyn Hagen composes music that has been described as “simply magical” (Fanfare Magazine) and “dramatic and deeply moving” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis/St. Paul). She is a pioneer in the field of composition, pushing the expectations of musicians and audiences with large-scale multimedia works, electro-acoustic music, dance, opera, and publishing. Her first forays into composition were via...

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JH Music (Jocelyn Hagen)

While I Breathe, I Hope (SSA)

Name: While I Breathe, I Hope (SSA)
SKU: JH-C052
Availability: InStock

Jocelyn Hagen

Encourage your singers to practice the act of mindfulness through performance, breathing love in and out.

Difficulty: 3

Duration: 3-5 min.

JH-C052

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Alternative Versions

While I Breathe, I Hope

View SATB Version

SSA choir and piano

The latin phrase “Dum Spiro Spero” translates to “While I breathe, I hope.” The phrase is of indeterminate origin, but featured as the motto for several places and organizations, includ-ing the U.S. state of South Carolina. This seemed a fitting addition to Brian Newhouse’s beautiful poem written during the pandemic. For me, nothing is quite as hopeful as song and the act of singing. This music should feel wonderful to sing, full of hope and joy, full- throated and flourishing.

Text

“Dum Spiro Spero” (While I breathe, I hope.)

Follow one breath.
Go where it goes
down to the dark,
past bone,
past heart,
past hurt,
to light,
to rest only a moment
in the strength of your soul’s cupped hands.

Hope is born here,
hope is cradled,
breathing itself,
ready to rise
with your breath and return
through your heart
through your voice
through your song.

~ Brian Newhouse

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