When Breezes Blow
Commissioned by Le Chœur d’enfants de l’orchestre de Paris and their director Richard Wilberforce, When Breezes Blow is an upbeat, optimistic expression of curiosity and growth. The work features a supportive piano part and a characterful violin part, with unison, two-, and three-part vocal textures and intuitive harmonies that enhance the storytelling. The three movements each focus on a different theme: the playful ‘On We Go’ centres around fostering connection, friendship, and love; ‘Into the Garden’ uses vocables rather than lyrics to capture the feeling of humming while planting in the garden; and ‘Flower of my Heart’ depicts the taking of gentle steps into the wider world, with a dance-like feel created by dotted rhythms and a 6/8 time signature. A violin part is available separately.
- Lyrics
1. On We Go
What is this feeling that’s in the air?
Something is growing, something’s there.
What is this feeling? I think I know.
You and I, you and I, on we go.
You and I, you and I, on we go.What is this feeling that’s in the wind?
Is this the way that our tale begins?
What is this feeling when breezes blow?
You and I, you and I, on we go.
You and I, you and I, on we go.I look to the sky, and you are there,
in wisps of cloud, in breaths of air.
And I hear your voice as you call my way:
‘Wouldn’t you like to dance today?’
‘Wouldn’t you like to dance today?’What is this feeling around me here?
Colours are brighter when you are near.
What is this feeling? I think I know.
You and I, you and I, on we go.
You and I, you and I, on we go.2. Into the Garden
(The lyrics of this piece are vocables.)
dum bye-a, dum bye-a, dum bye-a da…
3. Flower of my Heart
Grow, little flow’r of my heart,
reach tender petals up to the sunshine.
Grow, little flow’r of my heart,
stretch out your leaves, though small they may be.When cloudy days come, and the sun seems to hide her face
there, there in the rain is a new song to sing.lye-da-dye da da da…
Sarah Quartel
Published by Oxford University Press
Duration: 10 minutes
Published: 2025
ISBN: 9780193579958