When I have fears that I may cease to be
unaccompanied lower voice choir (TTBB with divisi)
This piece, set to a John Keats poem, was written for TTBB Men's Choir, with occasional 6-part divisi. It is also available in a higher ATTB key, which is suitable for Men's Choirs that include countertenors (or lower voice choirs that may include a few women). An SATB arrangement is also available on request.
December 9, 2003
Schola Cantorum of DePauw University
Sheet Music Direct - When I have fears that I may cease to be (TTBB)
Sheet Music Direct - When I have fears that I may cease to be (ATTB)
SATB arrangement available upon request - contact me
John Keats (1795-1821)
When I have fears that I may cease to be
Before my pen has gleaned my teeming brain,
Before high-pilèd books, in charactery,
Hold like rich garners the full ripened grain;
When I behold, upon the night’s starred face,
Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance,
And think that I may never live to trace
Their shadows with the magic hand of chance;
And when I feel, fair creature of an hour,
That I shall never look upon thee more,
Never have relish in the faery power
Of unreflecting love—then on the shore
Of the wide world I stand alone, and think
Till love and fame to nothingness do sink.
When I have fears that I may cease to be
Copyright © 2003, 2025 by Daniel Ahlgren; All rights reserved.