A modern American anthem - in Whitacre's beautiful chordal style.
Full Title This Marriage by Eric Whitacre (b.1970)
Notes A short composition of 2004, written for his wife: "This Marriage is just a small and simple gift to my wife on the occasion of our seventh wedding anniversary."
I don't feel there is anything specifically religious about the words, so it would make a good choice for a Civic Ceremony.
For me it is the Ah's and Oo's at the end that make this special - when the poet is literally 'out of words'. Clever.
Duration 3 min
Performers required
- Mixed voice choir, with divisi, unaccompanied
Source of printed music Published by Chester Music
May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk,
this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade
like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
our every day a day in paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcomes the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.
Jalal al-Din Rumi, 1207-1273 translated by Kabir Helminski
