All our love, always (2021)
for SATB (divisi) choir, a cappella
Text: Mark Freeman (b. 1960) & AJ Verhappen (b. 1986)
Duration: 4 minutes
Difficulty: 3/4
Written for Mark Freeman, in recognition of his generous support and belief in Chronos Vocal Ensemble. First performed by Chronos Vocal Ensemble (Jordan Van Biert, dir.) in June 2023.
In February 2020, Chronos Vocal Ensemble hosted a fundraiser in support of their first international tour, culminating in a performance at the NW ACDA conference in Spokane, Washington. As a proud member of this ensemble, I donated a commission to their silent auction, which was purchased by Mark Freeman, a long-time supporter and former board member of the choir. The text of this piece, provided by Mark and adapted by his sister’s eldest child AJ Verhappen, is based on words spoken at his mother Phyllis’ funeral—capturing the precious memories of parenthood across generations. My music is rhythmic and energetic, reflecting the joy and the warmth of this remarkable woman.
About Phyllis: Phyllis Joan Freeman (née Elson) was born July 9, 1927 in Ottawa, Ontario. Remembered as a kind and gentle woman, she was passionate about her family cottage on Kedey Island in Fitzroy Harbour on the Ottawa River, which her son Mark describes as “her favourite spot on Earth”. Mark recalls riding the train cross-country from Edmonton to spend several summers in Ottawa as a child, remembering how “magical” it was to roll through Fitzroy before arriving in the capital city. Phyllis passed away on February 25, 2014 at the age of 86, with her husband Gordon and children at her side.
Click here to see the complete score.
Live recording currently unavailable. MIDI available on request.
Full Text
Dad says what you learn at Mother's knee matters most.
The big and the small.
Trips to the library, or cross-country by train.
Fairytales, and a fairytale island.
Fifteen words more precious than all the rest in the universe:
“I hope you'll have as good a time raising her, as I had raising you.”
The first days of school come so fast,
but secure, in the orbit of home:
lunch with the Flintstones, music lessons and
books of world knowledge one by one from the Safeway.
Fifteen words more precious than all the rest in the universe:
“I hope you'll have as good a time raising her, as I had raising you.”
When we leave home, you come with us.
Knit sweaters and laminated recipe cards our shields.
Your handwriting our anchor.
The knee-high years never end.
Important Mom lessons
our whole lives,
from some sublime place.
Fifteen words more precious than all the rest in the universe:
“I hope you'll have as good a time raising her, as I had raising you.”
Whenever we see the first bleeding hearts
and tulips of spring,
we'll remember you.
Whenever we sing, we'll sing to you.
"Take good care."
All our love, always.
© Mark Freeman & AJ Verhappen, 2020. Used with permission.