The Last Rose of Summer
2018

ca. 3'

SATB

Text: Thomas Moore

Melody attributed to Sir John Stevenson

'Tis the last rose of summer left blooming alone

All her lovely companions are faded and gone

No flower of her kindred, no rosebud is nigh
To reflect back her blushes and give sigh for sigh

I'll not leave thee, thou lone one, to pine on the stem

Since the lovely are sleeping, go sleep thou with them

Thus kindly I scatter thy leaves o'er the bed
Where thy mates of thy garden lie scentless and dead.

So soon may I follow when friendships decay
And from love's shining circle the gems drop away

When true hearts lie withered and fond ones are flown

Oh, who would inhabit this bleak world alone?

A lyrical and warm setting of the traditional tune for SATB divisi and two soloists. Premiered by the St. Olaf Chamber Singers. Therees Tkach Hibbard, director.