Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

By Johnny Edwards II

Choir

Includes score and parts

Digital download

The text of this familiar poem is set to an uncharacteristically brisk  tempo.  The premise behind this is to catch the feel of a horse constantly traveling through the woods.  Even though it is written in 6/8 time throughout, the rhythm of the piece suggests a constant change from a 6/8 to a 3/4 feel, as a wooded path is rarely stable. It is imperative to feel the differences between the two rhythmic feels when they occur.  At times the two different feels appear simultaneously.  When this occurs, it is does so when the text suggests moments of insecurities and doubt. At measure 95, the accents are an integral part of the feel of the text.  It suggests an uneasy feel of the horse and it also plays on the word “mistake” since all of the accents are not placed on the strong beat of these “3/4” measures. These measures should definitely be conducted in 3. The soprano C6 at the end in optional depending on the capabilities  and comfort level of the ensemble performing the piece.

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

--Robert Frost, 1923

Video

Musicians who viewed this also viewed

Product details

Title: Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Ensemble: Choir

Composer: Johnny Edwards II

Includes score: Yes

Includes parts: Yes

SKU: PS-2673065-D

Seller: Benjamin Ayotte

About digital downloads:

All music sold on Parts and Score can be downloaded as a PDF. That means you can view it on your phone, tablet, or computer. Once you download your music, you can even print it out. Just download and play it!

Do note that you are only allowed to print the number of copies that you buy. And you many not distribute more copies (digital or printed) than you bought (e.g., sharing copies with students). Each PDF will have a watermark at the bottom of each page with your name.

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

$4.99

Secure payments

Download instantly

More choir music

More sold by Benjamin Ayotte