Works

June 27, 2023September 15, 2023

Just Because (2023)

Mezzo-soprano, flute, electric 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.

Perusal Score

View perusal score.

Performance score available for purchase. Please direct inquiries to Nell Shaw Cohen at nell@nellshawcohen.com.

Program Note

Watercolor painting of Appalachian mountain view from the point of a view of a hiker resting, with a pair of feet wearing Converse sneakers in the foreground — Painting by Nell Shaw Cohen

Having spent decades as a wife and mother, a woman redefines herself by thru-hiking a long distance trail alone.

“Just Because” is a selection from Sauntering Songs: a concert-length cantata on the theme of walking, commissioned by Skylark Vocal Ensemble. The life of Emma Gatewood, who in 1955 became the first solo female thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail at the age of 67, (very) loosely inspired my lyrics.

This song is dedicated to those who venture down new paths late in life.

Performance History

Visit the Sauntering Songs page for performance history.

June 27, 2023September 15, 2023

First Footsteps (2023)

Soprano, flute, and classical guitar. 5 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.

Perusal Score

View perusal score.

Performance score available for purchase. Please direct inquiries to Nell Shaw Cohen at nell@nellshawcohen.com.

Program Note

Watercolor painting of a stone wall covered in ivy — Painting by Nell Shaw Cohen

A young woman walks in a lush garden growing within high walls. Confined at home, she awaits a future that has been planned for her.

“First Footsteps” is a selection from Sauntering Songs: a concert-length cantata on the theme of walking, commissioned by Skylark Vocal Ensemble.

My lyrics for this song were sparked in part by Rebecca Solnit’s writing in Wanderlust: A History of Walking on the ways in which women have historically been confined to domestic environments, and how past literary depictions of women walking take place in private gardens rather than public spaces.

This song is dedicated to women and girls who walk beyond the boundaries they are given.

Performance History

Visit the Sauntering Songs page for performance history.

June 27, 2023September 15, 2023

Best Friend (2023)

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

View perusal score.

Performance score available for purchase. Please direct inquiries to Nell Shaw Cohen at nell@nellshawcohen.com.

Program Note

Watercolor painting of a border collie wearing a red service dog vest. — Painting by Nell Shaw Cohen

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.