The vocal range is from C to Eb, and is appropriate for either male or female voices.  The viola part requires an accomplished musician.

The Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese text consisting of 81 short verses.

Although it is used by some as a religious text, it is also simply a set of short aphorisms pointing out the way to live a good life.  It is often critical of religion and its suggestions are very down to earth.

The Tao Te Ching is especially welcome as an antidote to the anxieties and stresses of modern life. It emphasizes naturalness; “feel the raw silk and hold the uncut wood” and acceptance, and at the same time, to believe in yourself – have confidence in yourself – do not depend on the views of other people.

The Chinese text has been translated hundreds of times, and the text used in these songs is a composite of several different translations.

The ten verses are:

We are not separate from nature
Have without possessing
Believe in yourself
Rejoice in the way things are
Quit trying to be pious or holy
Give all of yourself
Love the whole world
You will turn to religion
To live till you die
Soft and supple is being alive

(Click this to listen to an elctronic version of the first piece.)