Choose Love

Choose Love

Kyle Pederson (2022)

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Voicing: SATB divisi
Accompaniment: piano with optional handpan (or electric guitar) 
Text: Kyle Pederson

LYRICS

Astra inclinant; sed non obligant
The stars incline us; they do not bind us

Fate may conspire
the gods may desire

History repeats its ideas and deeds
but you can refuse

what will you choose?

I choose love.

Program note:

I don't remember where or when I first head the evocative Latin phrase, "Astra inclinant, sed non obligant" (The stars incline us; they do not bind us).  But I do recall being immediately captivated by this expression. It affirms that though we undoubtedly are influenced by various important factors (destiny, culture, upbringing, disposition, events) that nudge and work on us in a particular way, we are still free--free to chart our own path, free to choose a new way of being in the world.  Ultimately, we are free to choose love--to love others even when it's hard to do so.  This message seems especially relevant given the tremendous amount of hostility, anger, violence, and judgment that has erupted in our world.  May we choose love instead.

This piece can be performed with any combination of piano, handpan, and/or electric guitar.. (handpan and electric guitar parts available separately). The handpan accompaniment was crafted on a RAV Vast B Celtic Double Ding handpan (that's a mouthful!) If performing on a different handpan/scale, the notes available to you will be different; it is more important to create a vibe and patterns that are idiomatic to that particular instrument, rather than playing every note as it's notated here in the score. 

The piece seeks to bridge ancient and modern. Work to establish a chant-like vocal effect in the beginning, with little vibrato.  Seek to create an atmosphere where the ambient soundscape washes over the listener and invites them to reflect.