Hope, like gold, shimmers in the darkest pocket.

Gleaming, waiting to be spent on a dream.

Hope, like gold, so fragile grows wings and flies away.

e pluribus unum (Hope Like Gold) reflects on the hope of democracy: that an educated population (the many) would make wise decisions for the betterment of humanity (the one). The music oscillates between dramatic unisons and shimmering poly-chords, sometimes interrupted by gestures of sighing and heaving. Hope and gold alternate—one seemingly solid, one shimmering harmonically—until their roles reverse in a cascade of questions.

• Which is gleaming more brightly?

• Which is truly golden?

• Which is more valuable?

• Which will last?

Andrea Thoenes's stunning text reminds us with all poetic subtlety that any promise for tomorrow is but fool's gold; the music echoes this premise. May the combination help us to recognize and acknowledge our corporate vulnerability, discomfort, and even fear. From these honest spaces, we are able to emerge no longer merely "hoping" for better days, but instead, acting to make those better days a reality.

Pages are missing from the preview pictures, but all pages will be included in the file that you order.

This title is listed as a site-license. Purchase it once and you can make as many copies as needed for ensembles at your institution. This license is non-transferable, so you can’t share your copies with other ensembles, but pricing is always negotiable if you contact me. I just want to share in making great music together!