Written in 1899 for the Cambridge Degree of Doctor of Music and prepared by Alan Tongue from the composer's manuscript, A Cambridge Mass is the largest work written by Ralph Vaughan Williams before A Sea Symphony of 1909, and amongst his most ambitious. The opening Credo is set for SATB soloists, double chorus and orchestra on the broadest and most dramatic scale. The Offertorium that follows is for orchestra only, in lyrical sonata form. These two contrasting movements are balanced by a third part: a solemn Sanctus for double Chorus, Brass, Timpani and Organ, and a choral-orchestral Hosanna which returns da capo after a serene Benedictus for soloists, wind and strings, to crown the work with a jubilant fugal conclusion./ Recueil / Solistes (SATB), 2 Choeurs Mixtes et Orchestre
SKU: SU.80101419
Missa in incerto tempore (The Davison Mass) (2018) was commissioned by the Harvard Glee Club. It was premiered by the Harvard Glee Club, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Andrew Clark, Director of Choral Activities) and the All Saints' Choir of Men and Boys (Ashmont Boy Choir), Dorchester, Massachusetts; (Andrew Sheranian, Organist and Master of Choristers). The Latin title, meaning Mass in uncertain times, refers to the centuries of comfort, inspiration, and spiritual enrichment that the mass (and the musical settings for its celebration) has provided to many individuals through difficulty and uncertainty. I cannot deny that the times in which this piece was composed are the most nationally and internationally uncertain of my own life to date. That fact had a definite impact on the tone and emotional character of the piece. However, there is a universality as well, since one could readily feel that all times have a sense of uncertainty, especially since we never know exactly what the future holds. The first three movements have somewhat enigmatic endings. The end of the Agnus Dei tries to temper (but not erase) that uncertainty with a degree of optimism and fervor in a passionate plea of Dona nobis pacem. Instrumentation: SATB Chorus, Men's Chorus, and Two Organs (Opt. One Organ) Duration: 20' Composed: 2018 Published by: Zimbel Press.
SKU: HL.1122017
ISBN 9781705181744. UPC: 196288108986.
A Good Understanding (2005) was written for Tim Brown and the choir of Clare College, Cambridge with the generous cooperation of John Scott and the Boys of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. A Good Understanding, with texts culled from two psalms, is designed to share a program with Rutter's expansive and expressive Mass of the Children. The piece unfolds episodically short choral phrases alternating with longer instrumental interludes. The first half of the text is typical psaltry praise-making: outlining agreements, explaining the rules; the music is, accordingly, severe but practical. The second half of the text begins, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.?I find the idea of a good understanding?to be an especially exciting reward for following the rules; the boys sing pulsed syllables and long descants to celebrate the covenant while the choir sings a lilting, repetitive refrain. (Psalm 111, 10). - Nico Muhly.
