Merely Human SATB

Voicing: SATB a cappella

Item: 2025.05

ISMN: 9790900969996

Duration: 3:00 min

PDF file: 8 pages to print at size A4, includes front cover, information about the work and composer, music pages, back cover

Composer’s note

This choral work by Kirsten Duncan is a solemn original song for mixed unaccompanied easy to intermediate choirs appealing for peace and kindness.

I served in the Royal Australian Navy to defend people from the actions of aggressive leaders, but I wish there were no need for military forces. At heart, I am a pacifist and greatly admire the work of Musicians Without Borders and organisations strengthening democracy and diplomacy. Surely, there would be less violence in the world if people engaged in conversation to find commonalities and harmony. After all, we all bleed the same colour and are ultimately merely human.  

This solemn original work is scored for SATB voices in mostly D minor Dorian mode, modulating to A major for an uplifting climax. Led by the sopranos with the melody throughout, this short piece is suitable for easy to intermediate choirs. Conductors should draw out expressiveness through rubato tempo and shaped dynamics. Please ensure round, warm vowels, particularly pay attention to the articulation between adjacent vowels, eg “we all” as “weh / all” rather than “weeeyall”.

‘Merely Human’ would provide a secular, English-language contrast to more traditional sacred pieces in a concert program themed around peace, diversity and humanity.

I dedicate this choral work to peacemakers everywhere.