Augusta Read Thomas - Augusta Read Thomas: Far Past War (2020) Study Score for SATB chorus & small orchestra

Composing for voice is a passion for me, and as a result the largest part of my catalogue is music for voice. The human voice -- possibly the most subtle, complex, and fragile yet forceful carrier of musical ideas and meanings -- has always been an inspiration for my musical thinking. I strive for craft, clarity, and passion. The carefully sculpted music and poems of Far Past War develop a labyrinth of musical interrelationships and connections that showcase the choir and musicians in a virtuosic display of their emotional palette, strength, clarity, and majesty. The opportunity to collaborate with my sister, Cammy Thomas, has been a highlight of my life. Music's eternal quality is its capacity for transformation and renewal. Together, we have created a work that celebrates the unsurpassed power of nature, and its potential to move us toward peace.