Desiderata (1972) (Caroline S. Arnold)

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• (Posted 2014-07-13)  CPDL #32432:     

Editor: Richard DeMattia (submitted 2014-07-13).   Score information: Letter, 10 pages, 3.99 MB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Scanned score.

General Information

Title: Desiderata (1972)
Composer: Caroline S. Arnold
Lyricist: Max Ehrmann

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Secular, Unknown

Language: English
Instruments: Piano

First published:
Description: A setting for mixed voices and piano of a text popular in the 1970's

Original text and translations

English text

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and learn what peace there be in silence.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to all,
even the dull and the ignorant have their story.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection,
neither be cynical about love, for in the face of disenchantment
it is as perennial as greening of grass.
Let strength of spirit shield you in misfortune,
but free yourself of fears that come from loneliness.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
surrender gracefully the things of youth.
Be gentle with yourself, you are a child of the universe,
no less than trees and stars;
You have a right to be there and tho’ it is clear to you,
the universe unfolds as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be,
and thru your labors in life’s hardship, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham and hate and broken dreams,
it is a beautiful world.