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William Butler Yeats

Born: 1865. Died: 1939. Lived in: Ireland

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. A pillar of the Irish literary establishment, he helped to found the Abbey Theatre, and in his later years served two terms as a Senator of the Irish Free State. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival along with Lady Gregory, Edward Martyn and others.

Yeats was born in Sandymount, Ireland, and educated there and in London. He spent childhood holidays in County Sligo and studied poetry from an early age, when he became fascinated by Irish legends and the occult. These topics feature in the first phase of his work, which lasted roughly until the turn of the 20th century. His earliest volume of verse was published in 1889, and its slow-paced and lyrical poems display debts to Edmund Spenser, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and the poets of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. From 1900, his poetry grew more physical and realistic. He largely renounced the transcendental beliefs of his youth, though he remained preoccupied with physical and spiritual masks, as well as with cyclical theories of life. In 1923, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-4 of 4 items.


Eric Whitacre : The Children : SATB  : Sheet Music : Eric Whitacre

Eric Whitacre : The Children

Set to a text by William Butler Yeats, "The Stolen Child" was commissioned by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and The King's Singers to celebrate their 25th and 40th anniversaries, respectively. The chorus represents the voice of "the human child, innocent and naive" while the six solo voices represent the "water and the wild," seducing the children away from the world with the promise of endless revelry and eternal youth. Excerpted from Whitacre's music theater work Paradise Lost "Sleep My Child" for SATB and soloists is marked by delicate, ethereal sounds and purity of tone.

Songlist: Sleep My Child, The Stolen Child

More details
Voicing: SATB | 8711b | Sheet Music | $6.95 | A Cappella


Francisco Nunez : Four Yeats Songs : TTBB : Songbook : 884088274191 : 1423463226 : 50486880

Francisco Nunez : Four Yeats Songs

Four poems by William Butler Yeats are set for male chorus and viola creating a vivid reflection on the wonders of life and love. Songs include: The Lover Tells of the Rose in His Heart, The Pity of Love, A Drinking Song, The Fiddler of Dooney. Viola part included. Duration: ca. 10:00.

Songlist: A Drinking Song, The Fiddler Of Dooney, The Lover Tells Of The Rose In His Heart, The Pity Of Love

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Voicing: TTBB | 4260b | Songbook | $4.95


George Benjamin : Upon Silence : Mezzo Soprano : Vocal Score : 9780571515783 : 12-0571515789

George Benjamin : Upon Silence

Upon Silence sets Long-legged Fly, a late poem of Yeats which portrays three momentous figures in history absorbed in silent contemplation: Julius Caesar planning a crucial military campaign, Helen of Troy as an adolescent in Sparta and Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel. The verses are set in a syllabic manner, while each successive chorus is set to increasingly lengthy melismas as, like the long-legged fly above water, the voice hovers above the strings. For Mezzo Soprano with String Ensemble.

More details
Voicing: Mezzo Soprano | 10676b | Vocal Score | $19.95 | Voice and Piano


John Tavener : Mini Song-Cycle for Gina : Solo : Songbook : 888680687830 : 14048299

John Tavener : Mini Song-Cycle for Gina

John Tavener's 1984 work A Mini Song-Cycle for Gina was written for Gina Cowen, who gave the first performance along with Judith Ginsburg at St John's Church, Ladbroke Grove, London, on April 3, 1986. Text by W.B. Yeats.

More details
Voicing: Solo | 11751b | Songbook | $11.95


Individual Folios

Displaying 1-27 of 27 items.


'Til Time and Times Are Done : SATB : Ron Kean : Ron Kean : Songbook : 08301876 : 884088328863

Ron Kean : 'Til Time and Times Are Done

With a melody based on a traditional Irish jig, the lyrics of this work by W.B. Yeats describe a whimsical daydream that becomes a lesson in values as life reaches its end. The music is rich and artistically crafted, bringing the dance of the jig into the song of dreams. Tuned harmonic whirlies and a handdrum add tastefully to the piano accompaniment.

Composer: Ron Kean | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.55 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08301876 | Digital Version Available


A Cradle Song : SAATBB : NILSON, JOEL : NILSON, JOEL : Sheet Music : 9780193394261

NILSON, JOEL : A Cradle Song

This touching piece sets Yeats' beautiful words describing the love of a parent for their child. Switching between major and minor tonalities, A Cradle Song is quiet and understated, with sensitive a cappella scoring that makes the sentiments seem all the more real. This is an impressive and sophisticated debut from Swedish singer and composer Joel Nilson.

Composer: NILSON, JOEL | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SAATBB | Sheet Music | $2.90 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 9780193394261


A Rose in the Deeps of My Heart : SATB : Jonathan Adams : Jonathan Adams : Sheet Music : SBMP982 : 964807009829

Jonathan Adams : A Rose in the Deeps of My Heart

Jonathan Adams has created a lovely, contemporary madrigal inspired by the Yeats poem "A Rose in the Deeps of My Heart." Skillfully crafted, beautiful choral writing brings this text to life.

Composer: Jonathan Adams | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.05 | A Cappella | video
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| SBMP982


Brown Penny : SSA : Ron Kean : Ron Kean : Sheet Music : 08301771 : 884088058586

Ron Kean : Brown Penny

This Ron Kean setting of the Yeats' text displays his skill. Perfect for treble choirs of all ages. Add the optional violin, accordian and whistle to complete the performance.

Composer: Ron Kean | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SSA | Sheet Music | $2.55 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08301771


Brown Penny : TB : Daniel Brewbaker : Daniel Brewbaker : Sheet Music : 48019689 : 884088208868

Daniel Brewbaker : Brown Penny

From the poetry of Yeats, this song tells the tale of a young boy who wonders if he is too young to love. When he consults a brown penny, it reveals to him that the time to love is always now.

Composer: Daniel Brewbaker | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: TB | Sheet Music | $1.80 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 48019689


He wishes for the cloths of heaven : SSAATTBB : Jim Clements : Voces8 : Sheet Music : 98-EP72616

Jim Clements : He wishes for the cloths of heaven

For their wedding ceremony, Jim's wife requested that he set this beautiful text by W.B. Yeats, to be performed by a choir of their friends.

Arranger: Jim Clements | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats Performed By: Voces8

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Voicing: SSAATTBB | Sheet Music | A Cappella


He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven : SSAATTBB : Bradley Ellingboe : Bradley Ellingboe : Sheet Music : WJMS1099 : 884088238452

Bradley Ellingboe : He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven

This dramatic setting of the beautiful W.B. Yeats' poem gives the choir an excellent chance to express rich dynamics and let the music speak. It requires a large enough choir for a deeply rewarding performance. Exquisite! Duration: ca. 3:50.

Composer: Bradley Ellingboe | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SSAATTBB | Sheet Music | $2.25 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| WJMS1099


Heavens Embroidered Cloth : SATB : Susan Naylor Callaway : Susan Naylor Callaway : Sheet Music : 08764669 : 728215045479

Susan Naylor Callaway : Heavens Embroidered Cloth

Looking for a non-religious inspirational work for commencement? This is it! Susan Naylor Callaway sets the poetry of William Butler Yeats for mixed chorus with piano and optional flute. Difficulty Level: Medium Adult.

Composer: Susan Naylor Callaway | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.55 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08764669


I Will Arise and Go : SATB : Shawn Kirchner : Shawn Kirchner : Sheet Music : 48024262 : 888680720544

Shawn Kirchner : I Will Arise and Go

This is an evocative, folk-like setting of Yeats' poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree. The modal vocal writing is both simple and sophisticated and always expressive of the yearning in Yeats' words.

Composer: Shawn Kirchner | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.50 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 48024262


I Will Arise and Go : SSA : Shawn Kirchner : Shawn Kirchner : Sheet Music : 48024263 : 888680720551

Shawn Kirchner : I Will Arise and Go

This is an evocative, folk-like setting of Yeats' poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree. The modal vocal writing is both simple and sophisticated and always expressive of the yearning in Yeats' words.

Composer: Shawn Kirchner | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SSA | Sheet Music | $2.50 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 48024263


Innisfree : TTBB : Bradley Ellingboe : Bradley Ellingboe : Sheet Music : 9780193869592 : 9780193869592

Bradley Ellingboe : Innisfree

A setting of a text by W. B. Yeats.

Composer: Bradley Ellingboe | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

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Voicing: TTBB | Sheet Music | $2.90 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 9780193869592


Only My Dreams : SATB : Ron Kean : Ron Kean : Sheet Music : 08301830 : 884088219628

Ron Kean : Only My Dreams

This famous William Butler Yeats text has never been set with such originality. Describing the vulnerable qualities our hopes and dreams embody, Kean shimmers a chord with improvised overtones that demand new definitions in sound. High schools, colleges and festivals will clamor for this wonderful work.

Composer: Ron Kean | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.35 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08301830 | Digital Version Available
Other Voicings: SSAA, SSAA


The Cloak, the Boat, and the Shoes : SATB : John Milne : John Milne : Sheet Music : 00466849 : 196288070771

John Milne : The Cloak, the Boat, and the Shoes

Yeats is a famous poet whose words have many meanings. This poem is weaved into three sections and Milne follows that by constructing his motet into three verses. His melody is as haunting and thoughtful as the poet's lyrics. Furthermore, he keeps the vocal lines free of divisi yet full of suspensions and resolutions that entice the listener. A fine concert piece for high school and college choirs.

Composer: John Milne | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.75 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 00466849


The Cloths of Heaven : SATB : Jasper Randall : Jasper Randall : Sheet Music : 00291965 : 888680928803

Jasper Randall : The Cloths of Heaven

The first piece to be published in the CCDA (California Choral Director's Association) series, this Yeats' text is a classic, and the musical setting is expressive and descriptive of the text, in 21st century harmonies. An excellent choice for advanced high school, college and community choirs.

Composer: Jasper Randall | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.45 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 00291965


The Cloths of Heaven : SATB : Victor C. Johnson : Victor C. Johnson : Sheet Music : 35030107 : 888680044350 : 1495009343

Victor C. Johnson : The Cloths of Heaven

One of Yeats most well loved poems from his third volume of poetry, The Wind Among the Reeds, is exquisitely set in this thoughtful choral work of romance and dreams. Careful painting of the text throughout creates a musical landscape for advanced choirs as well as developing voices.

Composer: Victor C. Johnson | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.50 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 35030107
Other Voicings: SAB


The Fiddler of Dooney : SATB : B. Wayne Bisbee  : Sheet Music : SBMP748 : 964807007481

B. Wayne Bisbee : The Fiddler of Dooney

Set to a colorful poem by one of Ireland's most beloved poets, William Butler Yeats, the composer dramatically brings the text alive with strong hints of Irish flavor along the way.

Arranger: B. Wayne Bisbee | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats | Country: Ireland

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.10 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| SBMP748


The Lake Isle : SSAATTBB : Ola Gjeilo : Ola Gjeilo : Sheet Music : WW1548 : 888680068127

Ola Gjeilo : The Lake Isle

This refreshing work from Ola Gjeilo employs a folk-like sound to capture Yeats' wonderfully descriptive words about the Lake Isle of Innisfree. The movement in the piano, the strumming of the guitar, and the richness of the strings work together with the voices to create the imagery of a long and pleasant journey.

Composer: Ola Gjeilo | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SSAATTBB | Sheet Music | $2.95 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| WW1548


The Lake Isle of Innisfree : SSAA : Ron Kean : Ron Kean : Sheet Music : 00159361 : 888680617653

Ron Kean : The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Ron Kean uses a text by William Butler Yeats and appropriately dons it with an Irish musical dressing. The flute is really not an optional addition. You are easily transported to the region through this character piece that dances and flourishes in the land it celebrates. A delightful fugal section bounces with a dum didle dee text eventually emerging into a colorful, and thoughtful singing section. For advanced high school and college choirs. Medium to difficult.

Composer: Ron Kean | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats | Country: Ireland

More details
Voicing: SSAA | Sheet Music | $2.50 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 00159361 | Digital Version Available


The Lake Isle of Innisfree : SATB : Douglas Wagner : Douglas Wagner : Sheet Music : 35027606 : 884088527938

Douglas Wagner : The Lake Isle of Innisfree

This poem, first published in the collection The Rose in 1893, is one of Yeats' earlier lyric poems. Doug Wagner's original music is rich and full with an expressive piano accompaniment. A lovely choral for mixed voices, you'll find the text makes this ideal for men's voices. Available separately: SATB, T(T)BB, PianoTrax CD (35027473). Duration: ca. 3:24.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner | Composer: Douglas Wagner | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.50 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 35027606 | Digital Version Available
Other Voicings: TTBB


The Lake Isle of Innisfree : SAB : David L. Brunner : Sheet Music : 48019990 : 884088399764

David L. Brunner : The Lake Isle of Innisfree

This idyllic piece, with text by William Butler Yeats, highlights the various sounds that evoke Yeats's memories of Innisfree, a lake in County Sligo that was a favorite childhood vacation spot. Allow the natural stresses of the text to gently shape your phrases and rhythms. Connect with your own memory of a special place. Duration: 3:45.

Arranger: David L. Brunner | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SAB | Sheet Music | $2.50 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 48019990 | Digital Version Available


The Salley Gardens : SATB : John Leavitt : Sheet Music : 08754073 : 884088623210

John Leavitt : The Salley Gardens

From its origins as a poem by William Butler Yeats, this lyric has passed into the realm of folk music and now has become one of the most recorded Irish songs of all time. This arrangement is quite singable, with a delicate piano accompaniment and long fluid vocal lines that are simple and charming.

Arranger: John Leavitt | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats | Country: Ireland

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $1.80 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08754073


The Stolen Child : SATB : Eric Whitacre : Eric Whitacre : Sheet Music : 08751017 : 884088474393

Eric Whitacre : The Stolen Child

Set to a text by William Butler Yeats, this work was commissioned by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and The King's Singers to celebrate their 25th and 40th anniversaries, respectively. The chorus represents the voice of "the human child, innocent and na•ve" while the six solo voices represent the "water and the wild," seducing the children away from the world with the promise of endless revelry and eternal youth.

Composer: Eric Whitacre | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $3.95 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08751017 | Digital Version Available


The White Birds : SATB divisi : Ron Kean : Ron Kean : Sheet Music : 00193060 : 888680637736

Ron Kean : The White Birds

The strong Irish flavor in this song is unrelenting, whether fast or slow. The pensive Yeats poem pulls at the heart and demands thoughtfulness. Ron Kean's music accomplishes that and more, bringing a serenity and beauty to a love song that dances and pines. For college and community choirs, medium difficult but worth the effort.

Composer: Ron Kean | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB divisi | Sheet Music | $2.45 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 00193060 | Digital Version Available


The Wild Swans at Coole : SATB Divisi : Theodore Morrison : Sheet Music : 48023120 : 884088987930

Theodore Morrison : The Wild Swans at Coole

American composer and conductor, Theodore Morrison, has set this lovely William Butler Yeats' poem filled with Irish musical quotes. As an opera composer, Morrison has a strong grasp on the emotional impact made possible through programmatic music and he uses this in effective ways in this piece. The virtuosic nature of the horn part and advanced choral music require an accomplished ensemble, but the results will be impressive!

Arranger: Theodore Morrison | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SATB Divisi | Sheet Music | $2.25 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 48023120


Tread Softly : SA : Alan Bullard : Alan Bullard : Sheet Music : 9780193375055 : 9780193375055

Alan Bullard : Tread Softly

Setting a love poem by W. B. Yeats, Tread Softly is a charming addition to the upper-voice repertory. Gradually opening out from unison, this piece features melodic vocal lines, colourful harmonies, and luscious modulations, and the rhythmic contrasts in the choir are complemented by a gently flowing piano part. Suitable for use in a variety of concert programmes and at weddings.

Composer: Alan Bullard | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SA | Sheet Music | $3.25 | With Piano |
9780193375055


Tread Softly : SSAA : Judith Herrington : Sheet Music : 08301752 : 884088058364

Judith Herrington : Tread Softly

Premiered at the 2005 ACDA convention, this setting of a poem by William Butler Yeats begs the listener to tread softly on our dreams. Available for SSAA and TTBB.

Arranger: Judith Herrington | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SSAA | Sheet Music | $2.10 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08301752


When You Are Old : SSA : David Husser : David Husser : Sheet Music : 00300933 : 888680963590

David Husser : When You Are Old

This classic Yeats' poem is set to music that is rooted in a simple melody and meter and, when performed with a traditional folk song simplicity will resonant with singers and listeners. All voice parts and the piano are given moments of individual importance. This beautiful poem asks your singers to reflect on how they would like to live today and be remembered. Powerful.

Composer: David Husser | Poetry By: William Butler Yeats

More details
Voicing: SSA | Sheet Music | $2.25 |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 00300933

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