1996
If I…
Composed by 
Lori Laitman
Lori Laitman Text by 
Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson Four Dickinson Songs Song Collection
"If I..." is the fourth and final song of Lori Laitman's Four Dickinson Songs.
The first audio selection is made possible through the generosity of the composer. The second audio selection of "If I..." is made possible through a collaboration between the Hampsong Foundation and SongFest. The performers are Kaley Soderquist, soprano, and Hiroko Kanagawa, piano, and this performance took place at Pepperdine University at SongFest 2010.
Listen
“If I…” (from “Four Dickinson Songs”)
Jennifer Check (soprano) & Warren Jones (piano)2:22
“If I…” (from “Four Dickinson Songs”)
Kaley Soderquist (soprano) & Hiroko Kanagawa (piano)2:22
Composer's Note
“I composed Four Dickinson Songs in the spring of 1996. The last song of the cycle, ‘If I…’ was composed as a gift for my father’s 80th birthday. Its simple, accessible melody passes from voice to piano and back again before ending with the singer humming. My father is now in good health at age 94.”
–Lori Laitman
Text
If I can stop one Heart from breaking (poem 919)
by Emily Dickinson
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
Related Information
SongFest Website
songfest.usAudio
“If I…” (from “Four Dickinson Songs”)
Jennifer Check (soprano) & Warren Jones (piano)2:22
“If I…” (from “Four Dickinson Songs”)
Kaley Soderquist (soprano) & Hiroko Kanagawa (piano)2:22
Sheet Music
Four Dickinson Songs (High Key)
Lori Laitman
1. Will There Really Be a Morning?
2. I'm Nobody
3. She Died
4. If I...
2. I'm Nobody
3. She Died
4. If I...
High
Four Dickinson Songs (Low key)
Lori Laitman
1. Will There Really Be a Morning?
2. I'm Nobody
3. She Died
4. If I...
2. I'm Nobody
3. She Died
4. If I...
Low