SATB + Solo (opt.) and Piano

NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER

Life is about accepting "change" as inevitable. It happens with or without our permission. It is learning how to find peace in the midst of uncertainty; acknowledging and respecting the past, living in the present, and preparing for the future.  Life is a journey, and the journey is amazingly beautiful.  ("La Vitaé Bella!").

This work (more or less) follows message of the Cat Steven’s song, “The Cat’s in the Cradle.” Sometimes a person is so focused on the future, that they wake up one day realize that some of the best people, experiences, and things in life are now past.

TEXT

One idle July afternoon when I was one and ten, and barefoot free,
Lost in cloudless days, carefree innocence, 
With waking curiosity, I climb'd up in the apple tree
And look'd out and dream'd of life beyond this place.   

La vitaé bella,
My credo, my stay.
La vitaé bella,
My shelter alway.

One hurried July afternoon when I was one and twenty, running free,
Lost in all that was, lost in all that is,
Impatient to grow roots and wings, I walk'd right past the apple tree
And look'd out and left all memories behind.

La vitaé bella,
My credo, my stay.
La vitaé bella,
My shelter alway.

One lay July afternoon when I was one and sixty, maybe more,
Lost in hollow dreams and vain delusion,
Now years have pass'd, no longer can I climb into the apple tree
I look'd out and realiz'd that life had been there all the time.

La vitaé bella,
My credo, my stay.
La vitaé bella,
My shelter alway.