A Canticle for Christmas

from within the pristine columns, by George Edwin Smith

https://lovebirdmusic.com/collections/brass-fanfares/products/from-within-the-pristine-columns
My composition for Brass Ensemble, "from within the pristine columns", is now available from Lovebird Music.

Arise and Soar by George Edwin Smith [Concert Music]

Composition Also-Rans.01

Although I have "won" a few music composition contests, for prize money, premier performances, or publication, I also have many "also-rans".  Several seem to make it to the final selections, but not the "winner".  I am convinced that composers and arrangers are "a dime a dozen", yet we continue to write. You can't stop the music in your head, so why not write it down and send it to someone: anyone?

I thought I would start posting my rejection notices in this blog, perhaps as some sort of therapy.  On the good side, I am usually disappointed for a couple of hours, then I move on.

Another important thought: Without the generosity of the many sponsors of music composition contests, many composers would have very limited opportunities to disseminate their music.

More to come, not in chronological order...

- george


Composition Also-Rans.01 Letter 01 - Top Four Finalist

Dear George,

On behalf of the Edwards Church, UCC 185th Anniversary Committee, I wish to extend my thanks for your participation in the competition to compose a hymn tune for the poem “Let There Be Light!”. We received a large number of submissions from around the world, and we have selected our winning hymn.

Although your composition did not win the prize, it was admitted to the list of four finalists, and was given high scores by two blind panels who evaluated it. Our lengthy discussion led us to feel that the winning submission spoke more directly to the character and spirit of Edwards Church, but standing on its own, all agreed that your submission was of very high quality, and worked well with the text. Should you seek publication or otherwise use your setting in the future, we’d love to hear about it!

We took great joy in considering your tune to be one of many blessings upon Edwards Church this year. All the submissions were thought of in this manner, and we were sincerely moved that you took the time to consider us during our anniversary.

Best wishes on your future compositions!

Peace be with you,

R. S. (name hidden)
Edwards Church, UCC
Choir Director
on behalf of the 185th Anniversary Committee

another place i'd rather be

In nether lands of mountain vale
whose glens divide the pristine walls
are ferns so deeply green they pale
the lofty granite cliffs so tall.

The water falls from unseen source
to river coursing, carving deep.
The verdant pond becomes a force
to nourish life and sphere complete.

© 2009 george edwin smith
george.e.smith@gmail.com

the never born

I cannot find
the words that tell
of those who die
and go to Hell,
Because the child
before his birth
by healer's knife
was lacking worth.
Of children gone
by hew and rend;
disrupted life,
an essence' end.
Of mother's heart
in deep lament,
unspoken love
from her was rent.
Of grief and anguish
torment through
the years that span
eternal bruise.
Though wind and rain
through many years
no stone have bleached
or washed the tears,
No words indent
grave marker worn,
the child we knew
was never born.
© 2009 george edwin smith
george.e.smith@gmail.com

how children learn

In vain I watch
the years go by
as children learn
(although some ply
to spend their time
in vile pursuit
of sordid pleasures
rend'ring moot
the hours of effort,
trials, and tears
of teachers who
throughout the years
are vainly watching
children learn
from parents who
show no concern.)

© 2009 george edwin smith
george.e.smith@gmail.com