Devouring Time for SATB choir

In a contemporary setting of Shakespeare’s sonnet infused with early music traditions of polyphony, modal tendencies, and tone-painting, the ageless poet celebrates the artist’s triumph over time. Composer Kim Diehnelt, 2015

Sonnet 19: Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion's paws

Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion's paws,

And make the earth devour her own sweet brood;

Pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tiger's jaws,

And burn the long-liv'd phoenix in her blood;

Make glad and sorry seasons as thou fleets,

And do whate'er thou wilt, swift-footed Time,

To the wide world and all her fading sweets;

But I forbid thee one most heinous crime:

O, carve not with thy hours my love's fair brow,

Nor draw no lines there with thine antique pen;

Him in thy course untainted do allow

For beauty's pattern to succeeding men.

Yet do thy worst, old Time: despite thy wrong

My love shall in my verse ever live young.

- William Shakespeare