Each of Us — the newly commissioned work by composer Linda Kachelmeier for the ACDA-MN 9th/10th grade mixed Honor Choir
Linda Kachelmeier
When Dr. Lee Nelson and I began discussion of the text of this commission, I was overjoyed to see among his suggestions this poem excerpt by Walt Whitman:
Each of us inevitable.
Each of us limitless —
each of us with his or her
right upon the earth,
Each of us allowed the eternal purport of the earth,
Each of us here as divinely as any is here.
I strove to write a piece that would convey where we are today, and also to appeal and speak to young voices. I decided to include the following foreword to help further understanding of the music and message within:
Walt Whitman is one of America’s greatest poets. Although he was homosexual at a time when it was difficult, even dangerous to be so, his verse is nevertheless known for its boundless optimism and inclusiveness. The text of “Each of Us” is an excerpt from his large work Salut au Monde! (Hello World!). It speaks to our shared humanity and rights, the responsibility we have to the earth and its blessings, and our limitless human possibility. The piece starts with the energy of individual and diverse voices, each perfect and worthy to be celebrated. As they multiply and come together, the gathering, relentless, rhythmic intensity makes clear the power of the collective voice that is the very heart of choral music.
I look forward to hearing voices from across the state come together on February 16 to premiere this new work, and I give thanks to ACDA-MN for making it happen!
Linda Kachelmeier