Written in 1934 by Clare Harner, the poem Immortality comments on the inevitability of death in conjunction with the human longing for everlasting life. Despite the implication that the narrator has passed on, and through its simple yet rhythmic text, the poem itself is not morbid. It is a celebration of the human spirit; and a realization of how beautiful life is−that often comes in times of great change. Its meditative words are meant to inspire hope in times of great grief, juxtaposing themes of death against the wonders and beauty of nature. Implying an interconnectedness between all living and non-living things, the poem is a solace and a statement that we all live on.

Commissioned by Rob Kennan, Music Director for United Methodist Church in Newark, Delaware, for their Easter service on April 9th, 2023, the text for Do Not Weep seamlessly fits with the themes of death, resurrection, and everlasting life seen at the conclusion of Lent within the Christian faith. Similar to the poem, the opening and closing brass & organ fanfares are meant to represent that celebration of life, and rebirth of Jesus Christ. At the choir entrance in mm.11, the tone for the rest of the piece is set by the text: “Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep”. Subsequently, listing the various scenes in nature that Jesus has become, I did my best to let the text guide the music, implementing moments of text painting, call & response, as well as deliberate orchestration among the ensembles. Also notable is the tonal language utilized at the cadence points beginning in mm.22 & again in mm. 75. This gospel influenced chord progression of the IV chord over the V brings these phrases to a satisfying conclusion, reminiscent of a warm spring hug.

Since its original publication, variations of the poem have arisen without proper accreditation and differing language. The version set to music in this score reads as follows: