Four poems sharing a common motif of 'Night' provide the texts for my choral cycle Nocturnes the American Choral Directors Association's commissioned work for its 2005 national convention. For Rilke's atmospheric “Sa nuit d'ete ” several melodic themes are supported by dense colorful harmonies in both the choral and piano parts leading to a climactic section where all are combined and stated simultaneously. Neruda's “Soneto de la Noche ” from his Cien Sonetos de Amor speaks of an eternal love that transcends death while reaffirming life. My a cappella setting of this gorgeous poem is predominantly quiet serene and folk-like utilizing direct harmonies accompanying long lyrical vocal lines. Agee's wondrous “Sure on this Shining Night” is set much like a song from the American musical theater a genre for which I have held a life-long esteem. Rilke's poignant “Voici le soir” recalls the opening bell sounds and jazz-tinged chords of the first movement and serves as an epilogue quietly concluding this cycle of night songs as darkness descends.

James Adler's Memento Mori: An AIDS Requiem is an oratorio for soloists, men's chorus, and orchestra. It is dedicated to those who have succumbed to AIDS. A 75-minute work in nine movements, Memento Mori combines traditional English, Hebrew, and Latin texts with original prose and poetry by Quentin Crisp, Philip Justin Smith, Denise Stokes, and Bill Weaver. Memento Mori was commissioned by the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus. Of its 1996 world premiere in Atlanta, Derrick Henry (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) wrote, 'Employing an eclectic, predominately lyrical musical language, Adler writes for both chorus and orchestra with uncommon imagination.' / Choeur TTBB

A Native American hymn that is commonly traced to Jean de Brébeuf a Jesuit priest and missionary who worked among the Canadian Huron people. A beautiful arrangement for men's chorus with simple abd skillful construction. Can be performed with piano only or with the addition of flute and string bass for extra depth of sound.