Details
Summary
- Instrument:
- Choir
- Ensembles:
- SSAATTBB A Cappella
- Genres:
- 21st Century Contemporary A Cappella
- Publishers:
- Sarah Dacey
Detailed Description
SKU: A0.1869676
Composed by Sarah Dacey. This edition: pdf. 21st Century, A Cappella, Classical, Contemporary, Contemporary A Cappella. 10 pages. Sarah Dacey #1428990. Published by Sarah Dacey (A0.1869676).I Hold the Heights was commissioned by Paragon Singers and conductor Sarah Latto for their 50th year celebrations and dedicated in memory to James Henderson. It was first performed in Paragon 50 Anniversary Concert at Bath Abbey on 21st March 2026.
Forces: SSAATB
Duration c. 2.45 mins
Geoffrey Winthrop Young (1876 - 1958) was a British climber who is best known for the
mountaineering instruction manual MountainCraft (1920). However, he was also a poet
and published several books of poems, including April and Rain Poems, containing one of
his best known poems, I Hold the Heights. This was written after Young's amputation
of his leg following WWI, after which he continued to climb with a specially designed
climbing prosthetic. The poem is a celebration of life achievements in the face of adversity,
the repetitions in the text acting both as triumphal affirmations and a rejection of mortality.
I have not lost the magic of long days,
I live them, dream them still
Still I am a master of the starry ways,
And freeman of the hills;
Shattered my glass, ere half the sands had run.
I hold the heights, I hold the heights, I won.
Mine still the hope that haileth me from each height
Mine the unresting flame.
With dreams I charmed each doing to delight;
I charm the rest the same.
Severed my skin, ere half the strands were spun
I keep the dreams, I keep the dreams I won.
What if I live no more those kingly days?
Their night sleeps with me still.
I dream my feet upon the starry ways;
My heart rests in the hill.
I may not grudge, the little left undone.
I hold the heights, I keep the dreams I won.
About ArrangeMe
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's self-publishing community for independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. Discover unique arrangements of popular titles and original compositions from diverse creators. The length, difficulty, and pricing are determined by the arranger or composer.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads let you instantly access sheet music on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Print your sheet music anywhere, anytime, or play it straight from your device—no internet connection is required after download.
Each Digital Download includes a watermark with your name, purchase date, and the number of copies purchased. You may only print or use the number of copies purchased. Redistribution or unauthorized printing is prohibited.