Homeland
SATB and Piano
Posted by Natalie Cardillo | ChoralPop
🕰 Style & Background
Homeland is a stirring, patriotic choral work adapted from the theme of Jupiter in Gustav Holst’s The Planets, with new lyrics by Sir Cecil Spring Rice and arranged by Z. Randall Stroope. Drawing from the original British hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country, this SATB setting replaces nationalism with a broader, emotional appeal to love of home, peace, and remembrance. The piece is known for its soaring melodies and dignified grandeur.
Music by: Gustav Holst (adapted)
Lyrics by: Sir Cecil Spring Rice
Arranged by: Z. Randall Stroope
Language: English
Style: Classical adaptation / Contemporary choral anthem
Time Period: 20th Century source (Holst), modern choral adaptation
💡 Why This Piece Works
Homeland captures the emotional power of both traditional classical music and contemporary choral writing. Its message is especially resonant for graduation, remembrance ceremonies, or any concert program that centers themes of legacy, hope, and unity. With its broad vocal lines and cinematic arc, the piece provides a rewarding challenge for expressive singers.
🎯 Ideal for These Concerts
✅ Graduation / Senior Send-Off
✅ Thematic Concerts (remembrance, tribute, unity, legacy)
✅ Festival or Adjudication
✅ Spring or Fall Concerts
✅ Patriotic / Memorial Day / Veterans Day programs
🌎 Geographic Origin
Composer: England (Gustav Holst)
Arrangement: Contemporary American choral setting
Lyric Influence: British poetry with universal appeal
🎵 Musical Characteristics
Melodic Range
Soprano: C4–G5
Alto: A3–D5
Tenor: C3–F4
Bass: G2–E4
Tenor Accessibility: ✅ Yes – fits comfortably in treble vocal range
Key & Tonality
Primarily in Bb Major, with two key changes
Solfege Accessibility: Easy – diatonic
Rhythmic Complexity
4/4 time, mostly homophonic texture
Long sustained phrases and slow tempo
Requires breath planning and dynamic shaping
Text Clarity & Diction
Poetic English text
Ideal for teaching enunciation, phrase shaping, and emotive delivery
Broad vowels and consonant clarity emphasized
Harmonic Density
Classical-style harmony with modal color, suspensions, and stacked chords
Strong dynamic range with thick textures in climactic sections
Form & Repetition
Strophic with build-up
Intro – Verse – Verse – Climax – Coda
Offers natural arc and shape for phrasing and emotional pacing
📩 Price Comparison Summary
JW Pepper SATB Octavo $2.35 View
Sheet Music Plus SATB Octavo $2.25 View
Hal Leonard SATB Octavo $2.15 View