Sea of Berries

Sea of Berries was commissioned by Gondwana Voices in 2001 as part of the song cycle ‘Turn on the Open Sea’. One of Paul’s first works, this piece together with Shackleton and Volta do Mar Largo from the same song cycle were Paul’s introduction to the choral world.

The title of this piece describes the Sargasso Sea, located in the mid Atlantic Ocean on the tropic of Cancer. The Sargasso is often engulfed in purple color seaweed that floats to the surface creating a haunting landscape above the warm waters. Virtually little or no current affects the eerie lagoon like sea, the lack of wind causing havoc to any wayward ships. Part of the Bermuda Triangle is located there, and even today for modern vessels, the Sargasso is a treacherous sea.sargasso-sea

During the years of Portuguese exploration, any attempt to enter the entrapping Sea of Berries was considered dangerous. The fear of giant sea serpents and boiling waters, in addition to the probability of never returning discouraged sojourners for years. This engaging piece unravels the fate of a lost ship, drifting aimlessly to its demise. There is no hope of return and there is no chance of survival.

This version is recorded by Gondwana Voices, conducted by Lyn Williams.

 

Themes

Sing a choir favourite Sing a Finale Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing for an eisteddfod
Duration 4:00
Key C minor/Ab Major with modulations.
Range Standard - alto down to Ab3 and SOPS up to G5. Tenors and Basses also standard.
More info Also available with strings or full symphony orchestra. Contact Paul for parts and scores.
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

S E A   O F   B E R R I E S                      

By Paul Jarman

Eagle flying over indigo
Shadow dancing on the ruby sea
Lonely ship drifting aimlessly
Waiting for the west wind to blow
Lonely ship sailing farther stray
Far from our homeland

Ghostly figures drift across the bow
Creatures lurk beneath the caravel
Lonely ship floating in the ocean desert
Waiting for a breath in the sails
Lonely ship gone another day
Far from our homeland

Lost forever weaving endlessly
On the Sargasso Sea
Drifting silently to water graves
On the Sargasso Sea

Water crystals in the evening glow
Sea of berries swim in purple light
Night has fallen on the Sargasso
Still no trade wind blowing thru the sail

Floating in the dark, stars could guide us home
Fading day by day, drifting farther stray

Lost forever weaving endlessly
On the Sargasso Sea
Drifting silently to water graves
On the Sargasso Sea

Lonely ship drifting aimlessly
Waiting for the west wind to blow
Lonely ship gone another day
Far from our homeland

© Paul Jarman 2001