Echo describes a woman who struggles to accept that her loved one is dead and has resolved to hold on to their memory no matter how painful. This poem is particularly poignant for me as I instantly recognized the parallels between Rossetti's character and my great-grandfather who was the one left behind when his wife of almost 70 years passed away in 2004. He was a strong man but his typically sunny disposition became much more sombre. He was reunited with his wife four years later. In the years after his death, I often wondered what that time apart must have felt like having spent most of their lives together. The moment I read this poem I knew I had to set it to music. I did so in order to invite everyone to imagine a love that transcends death yet cripples when the inevitable occurs.

I have also written a companion piece for Echo entitled Remember for men's chorus. The poetry for both Echo and Remember were written by Christina Rossetti.

Performed by the Clark College Concert Choir 6/13/14

©2011

Echo for SSAA choir

" ...simultaneously innovative, intellectually stimulating, but most of all emotionally moving." - Maria Choban, Oregon ArtsWatch

Echo for SSAA choir

Brandon Stewart