Tenor, acoustic guitar, and cello. 3 1/2 mins.
Selection from Sauntering Songs: a concert-length cantata on the theme of walking, commissioned by Skylark Vocal Ensemble.
Lyrics by Nell Shaw Cohen.
Sensitivity Consultant: Laura Elliott (Twitter).
Perusal Score
Performance score available for purchase. Please direct inquiries to Nell Shaw Cohen at nell@nellshawcohen.com.
Program Note
A disabled hiker and their service dog, named Stickeen, are out on a mountain trail.
“Best Friend” is a selection from Sauntering Songs: a concert-length cantata on the theme of walking, commissioned by Skylark Vocal Ensemble.
My lyrics were informed by the work of writers and advocates in the disability community, notably Coast Guard veteran Tenley Lozano’s essay “Submerged” (Crab Orchard Review) and interview “Hiking with a Service Dog”, Cascade Hiker podcast; Syren Nagakyrie’s work with DisabledHikers.com; and Bill Irwin’s hiking memoir Blind Courage.
This song is dedicated to walkers who are tough in ways others don’t always understand.
Performance History
Visit the Sauntering Songs page for performance history.