SKU: GI.G-9715
UPC: 785147971504. English. Text by J. Michael Joncas. Scripture: Matthew 28:16??20.
This concertato pairs an original text with the tune EARTH AND ALL STARS. Suitable for many liturgical moments, the five-stanza hymn explores the apostolic foundation and character of the Church, while the music provides a sturdy and enduring setting that will send the congregation forth with a sense of mission!
SKU: CF.W2687
ISBN 9781491150955. UPC: 680160908455. 9x12 inches.
This new edition of Jean Baptiste Arban's Fourteen Characteristic Studies for Trombone, edited by Alan Raph, was specifically written to provide the student with suitable material with which to test his powers of endurance, according to Arban himself.The following fourteen studies have been specifically written to provide the student withsuitable material with which to test his powers of endurance. In taking up these studies, he willdoubtless be fatigued, especially at the outset, by those numbers requiring an unusual length ofbreath. However, through careful study and experience he will learn to overcome the difficultiesand will acquire the resources which will enable him to master this particular phase of playingwith ease. As a means to this end, attention is drawn to cantabile passages in particular, whichshould be played with the utmost expression, yet at the same time with as much modified toneas possible. On the cornet, as with the voice, clear tones may be obtained by widening thelips and veiled tones by contracting them. This happy circumstance allows the performer anopportunity to rest while still continuing to play, and at the same time enables him to introduceeffective contrasts into the execution. It should be noted that by little artifices of this kind, andby skillfully conserving his resources, the player will reach the end of the longest and mostfatiguing pieces, not only without difficulty, but even with a reserve of strength and power,which, when brought to bear on the final measures of a performance, never fails to impress anaudience.At this point my task as professor (using the written instead of the spoken word) willend. There are things which appear clear enough when stated verbally but which when writtendown on paper cause confusion, seem obscure, and even sometimes appear trivial.There are other things of such an elevated and subtle nature that neither speech norword can clearly explain them. They are felt, they are conceived, but they are not to be explained;and yet these things constitute the elevated style, the grand ecole, which it is my ambition toestablish for the cornet, just as they already exist for singing and for the various kinds of otherinstruments.Those of my readers who are ambitious and who want to attain this high level ofperfection, should above all things, always try to hear good music well interpreted. Theymust seek out, among singers and instrumentalists, the most illustrious models, and by doingthis purify their taste, develop their sentiments, and bring themselves as near as possible tothat which is beautiful. Perhaps then the innate spark which may someday be destined todemonstrate their own talent, will reveal itself and render them worthy of being, in their turn,cited and imitated in the future.
SKU: CF.W2686
ISBN 9781491150948. UPC: 680160908448. 9x12 inches.
This new edition of Jean Baptiste Arban's Fourteen Characteristic Studies for Trumpet in Bb, edited by Thomas Hooten and Jennifer Marotta, was specifically written to provide the student with suitable material with which to test his powers of endurance, according to Arban himself.The following fourteen studies have been specifically written to provide the student withsuitable material with which to test his powers of endurance. In taking up these studies, he willdoubtless be fatigued, especially at the outset, by those numbers requiring an unusual length ofbreath. However, through careful study and experience he will learn to overcome the difficultiesand will acquire the resources which will enable him to master this particular phase of playingwith ease. As a means to this end, attention is drawn to cantabile passages in particular, whichshould be played with the utmost expression, yet at the same time with as much modified toneas possible. On the cornet, as with the voice, clear tones may be obtained by widening thelips and veiled tones by contracting them. This happy circumstance allows the performer anopportunity to rest while still continuing to play, and at the same time enables him to introduceeffective contrasts into the execution. It should be noted that by little artifices of this kind, andby skillfully conserving his resources, the player will reach the end of the longest and mostfatiguing pieces, not only without difficulty, but even with a reserve of strength and power,which, when brought to bear on the final measures of a performance, never fails to impress anaudience.At this point my task as professor (using the written instead of the spoken word) will end.There are things which appear clear enough when stated verbally but which when written downon paper cause confusion, seem obscure, and even sometimes appear trivial.There are other things of such an elevated and subtle nature that neither speech nor wordcan clearly explain them. They are felt, they are conceived, but they are not to be explained;and yet these things constitute the elevated style, the grand ecole, which it is my ambition toestablish for the cornet, just as they already exist for singing and for the various kinds of otherinstruments.Those of my readers who are ambitious and who want to attain this high level of perfection,should above all things, always try to hear good music well interpreted. They must seek out,among singers and instrumentalists, the most illustrious models, and by doing this purifytheir taste, develop their sentiments, and bring themselves as near as possible to that which isbeautiful. Perhaps then the innate spark which may someday be destined to demonstrate theirown talent, will reveal itself and render them worthy of being, in their turn, cited and imitatedin the future.
SKU: GI.G-8769
ISBN 9781622771097. English. Text Source: Vv.: The Revised Grail Psalms
This collection of Gelineau psalm settings is a significant resource for celebrations of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, or any worship experience that includes the Liturgy of the Word. Some of the antiphons are drawn from the Lectionary for Mass, many are taken from the Liturgy of the Hours, while other antiphons are drawn from the Simple Gradual, making these versatile psalm settings suitable to accompany entrance and communion processions as well. While psalms are traditionally understood as song for cantor and assembly performance, this collection explores many choral possibilities. Depending upon the choice of antiphon, and using one or more of the choral approaches outlined in the introduction to this collection these psalms can become highly satisfying choral literature. For almost sixty years, the Grail-Gelineau psalm system remains as appealing today as when it first appeared. Once you delve deeper into this system of chanting, you are likely to discover a level of artistic beauty not commonly experienced in singing the psalms.
SKU: PE.EP68578
ISBN 9790300759630. English.
Of Time and Passing (2016) is a cycle of three choral songs written specifically for the London-based ensemble, VOCES8, taking into consideration their versatilityand ability to beautifully intone a range of vocal colors with precision and grace.
The first song, I. Life, sets my translation of the poem A Vida by Brazilian poet Olavo Bilac (1865-1918), a poet I discovered while studying Brazilian Portuguese at the University of Michigan. I was drawn both to the simplicity of the text and to the possibilities of teasing out dual contrasting moods. In the beginning and end, this song explores a texture that is very much alive: wave-like contours, throbbing sounds, and plenty of flowing movement. Rising eighth-note motives in particular emphasize the fleetingness of life. But in the middle of the song, the listener is given a slowed-down atmosphere to savor life's beauty.
II. To Everything a Season capitalizes on VOCES8's ability to effectively interpret popular genres a cappella. This ancient text is taken from Ecclesiastes (dated around 300 B.C.) but I set it to a modern, rhythmically-regular and percussive pop-style idiom. Since popular music in whatever era is designedto appeal to a specific ?present time?, it is by its very nature ephemeral, and therefore seemed an apt metaphor to evoke the transitory nature of seasons.
III. Into Your Hands, confines the writing into no more than four parts, often with octave unisons.This creates a more direct and word-focused setting in which the Psalmist?s urgent words are placed at the forefront. Largely homophonic, this song is at times chorale-like, at times madrigal-like,finall y relinquishing it?s tension into peaceful rest, proclaiming ?You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God??
- Daniel Knaggs
SKU: CF.CM9709
ISBN 9781491160046. UPC: 680160918645. Key: Bb major. English. Katharine Bates. Katharine L. Bates.
As long as I can remember, I've been drawn to this beautiful poetry written by Katharine Lee Bates. The text is incredibly evocative, and it describes a country that is beautifully diverse in population and landscape. For this particular setting, I've chosen to use some of the original text that is not often sung: Till selfish gain no longer stain, The banner of the free! It's a gentle reminder that we are at our best when we put our neighbors first. One challenge that this piece presents is the overwhelming use of quarter notes in the melody. I encourage you to speak the text and find and stress those important and evocative words more than those that are not. So often the key to the right musical phrasing is in the text, right before our eyes. This piece works well accompanied or a cappella, to provide the most opportunity for performing in concerts, assemblies, and civic or sacred settings when there is not a piano available. Thank you for selecting this piece. Savor the text, and lift your voices to celebrate our nation as we all strive to make tomorrow better than today.As long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to this beautiful poetry written by Katharine Lee Bates. The text is incredibly evocative, and it describes a country that is beautifully diverse in population and landscape. For this particular setting, I’ve chosen to use some of the original text that is not often sung: “Till selfish gain no longer stain, The banner of the free!â€Â It’s a gentle reminder that we are at our best when we put our neighbors first.One challenge that this piece presents is the overwhelming use of quarter notes in the melody. I encourage you to speak the text and find and stress those important and evocative words more than those that are not. So often the key to the right musical phrasing is in the text, right before our eyes.This piece works well accompanied or a cappella, to provide the most opportunity for performing in concerts, assemblies, and civic or sacred settings when there is not a piano available. Thank you for selecting this piece. Savor the text, and lift your voices to celebrate our nation as we all strive to make tomorrow better than today.
SKU: HL.49045320
ISBN 9781495082559. UPC: 888680656683. 9.0x12.0x0.16 inches. Vocalise.
In writing Music for Eight Lungs I wanted to treat the voice similarly to the instruments, so that the piece would weave all four parts into a fabric equally. But I also wanted to play with our perception of the voice as a vehicle for communication and language. So the vocal part is given various phonemes which seem quite word-like at times, and in fact are often drawn from the vowel sounds from Henry Purcell's 'Dido's Lament'. As I played with my own musical materials, the idea of a descending lament figure kept recurring in different ways, propelling the music forward. Hannah Lash.
SKU: CY.CC3150
ISBN 9790530111185. 8.5 x 11 in inches.
Here is a brief description of this very fine new work The Secret of Ben Sogen for Trombone and Piano by the composer, Elizabeth Raum: I've always been fascinated by the Nordic heroes that appear in comic books and video games like Thor or Odin. Years ago, I wrote a concerto for tuba called The Legend of Heimdall inspired by Scandinavian folklore, and for this new work for trombone, I found myself drawn to the Danish mythical character, Ben Sogen. My concept was to conjure up a video game champion who goes through various adventures to achieve his final quest. However, the Secret of Ben Sogen is that he doesn't exist. I made him up. My original title was Bone Quest, a pun on the word, trombone, combined with Quest but that didn't evoke the image I wanted so I decided to create a character from the Danish translation of Bone Quest. Thus Ben Sogen. The Hero Trombonist has a theme stated in the beginning, and this motif continues through a variety of backgrounds (or adventures) before the final major key of his goal being achieved. The work is about 7 minutes in length and appropriate for advanced performers.
SKU: HL.48024962
UPC: 840126950373.
Compo ser's note: Walter De La Mare's poem Clouded with snow paints an atmospheric picture of late afternoon in winter and I was drawn to the image of a bleak yet beautiful landscape with the faint glow of a watery sun setting over fields of white. I attempted to create a sense of wintery stillness through the 'oo's of the opening bars with their slightly bare harmonies, out of which the melody emerges. The tune then weaves its way through the upper and lower voices, with the texture thickening to illustrate the shedding of the sun's rays in verse two and the drawing in of the dark in verse three. At the close, the slower tempo, together with the gentle dissonance and long melisma on the word 'floating', leaves us in an atmosphere of moonlit calmness.
SKU: GI.G-9724
UPC: 785147972433. English.
Michael Joncas’s collec tion, Deep and Lasting Peace, is as rich as it is varied. Here you’ll find festive settings of great hymns scored for congregations, choir, brass, and organ incorporating Joncas’s original texts. Simple settings of the three gospel canticles found in Luke utilize a “psalm tune†while another setting of the Magnificat is ideal for festive occasions. Responding to frequent requests, Joncas has revised the Gloria from his Psallite Mass casting it in a “festive†setting using a refrain format augmented by brass as well as in a “ferial†setting for everyday Sunday use with two woodwinds and guitar. Not to be missed is the title track “Deep and Lasting Peace,†which is sure to enter mainstream congregational Communion repertoire. For an in-depth look at some of the pieces featured in Deep and Lasting Peace, click on the video below. GIA Senior Editor Michael Silhavy sits down with Michael Joncas to discuss what makes this new collection special.  CONTENTS: Psallite Gloria • One People, Here, We Gather • God Creating, God Sustaining • Deep and Lasting Peace • Gospel Canticle of Zechariah • In Christ We Come to Offer Thanks • Gospel Canticle of Mary • Drawn by His Word • Gospel Canticle of Simeon •  A Place Called Home • My Soul Gives Glory to the Holy One • O Sacrament Most Holy • Psallite Gloria (Festival Edition).
SKU: GI.G-9715INST
UPC: 785147971597. English.
The organ accompaniment is printed in the full score.
UPC: 785147971504. English. Text by J. Michael Joncas. Scripture: Matthew 28:16–20.
Th is concertato pairs an original text with the tune EARTH AND ALL STARS. Suitable for many liturgical moments, the five-stanza hymn explores the apostolic foundation and character of the Church, while the music provides a sturdy and enduring setting that will send the congregation forth with a sense of mission!
SKU: HL.4004301
UPC: 888680069377. 9x12 inches.
The word “nexus” is defined as a tie or link between people and events. Nexus, for solo trumpet and band, includes several links between composer James Curnow and educator Alfred Watkins, to whom the work is dedicated. A well-known theme (particularly to Mr. Watkins' students) is drawn upon as the piece utilizes two primary musical settings. An energetic and agile scherzo appears in the beginning and again at the end, and is contrasted with an expressive Ballad theme. The soloist at the premiere (and on the recording) is Christopher Watkins, Alfred's son! This is a well-crafted and rewarding work for soloist and band alike. Duration: 6:00Also available for trumpet with piano reduction - HL00231702.
SKU: PR.114419810
ISBN 9781491136638. UPC: 680160681921.
Stacy Garrop’s ROAD WARRIOR is music of real-life tragedy, expressed through the power of a trumpet/organ duo. Drawing inspiration from Neil Peart’s autobiographical book, “Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road,†Garrop’s work grieves the loss of a friend’s young son and the journey to healing. ROAD WARRIOR’s evocative movement titles are drawn from passages in Peart’s book:1. I Am the Ghost Rider2. My Little Baby Soul3. Are You With Me Here?.When Clarion members Keith Benjamin (trumpet), Melody Steed (organ), and I initially discussed possible topics for a new piece, Keith brought up his son Cameron, who had passed away at the age of seven from leukemia. While Cameron’s life ended too soon, he left an indelible and lasting mark on his those surrounding him. Keith asked if I could commemorate Cameron musically.In talking over possible ways to do this, Keith mentioned the book Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road. The book was written by Neil Peart, who is well-known as the longtime drummer and lyricist of the band Rush. Peart suffered the heartbreaking loss of his daughter in 1997, followed by his wife 10 months later. In an effort to work through the grieving process, Peart did what his wife suggested before she passed: he got onto his motorcycle and hit the open road. Ghost Rider chronicles a year of Peart’s life in which he drove for 55,000 miles, zigzagging his way across Canada, the western portion of the United States, Mexico, and Belize. Peart’s powerful story illustrates how he coped with immense loss and eventually emerged on the other side to once again embrace life. Keith had found Peart’s book helpful in dealing with Cameron’s death; moreover, Mr. Peart sent Cameron a signed cymbal while he was in the hospital undergoing treatment. This unexpected gesture of compassion and generosity meant the world to both Cameron and Keith.I chose three phrases from Peart’s book to serve as the inspiration for the movements in Road Warrior. In the first movement, I am the ghost rider, I imagined the performers to be howling phantoms that are haunting drivers on a nearly deserted highway. Peart often mentioned that he felt haunted by ghosts from the past while on his journey, and sometimes felt like a ghost himself, moving through an immaterial world as he rode from town to town. The second movement, My little baby soul, references Peart’s wording to define his own inner essence that he was trying to protect and nurture while on his journey. In this gentle movement, I capture the innocence and simplicity of a newborn soul. The piece concludes with Are you with me here? In this movement, I depict the performers as they search to find connections to those they have lost, and to those still living.Over the course of his travels, Peart kept up a steady letter correspondence with his close friend Brutus. In one of his first letters, he repeatedly asks Brutus if he is with him in spirit. I found it to be very poignant that while in his self-imposed exile, Peart discovered that he still needed connections to humanity.I wish to thank Mr. Peart for granting me permission to use his phrases as the movement titles, and for serving as the inspiration for Road Warrior. Rarely do any of us make it through our lives without being touched by the loss of someone dear to us. I found Peart’s insights into his grieving and recovery process to be insightful, eloquent, and surprisingly comforting. His journey is a touching reminder that with enough fortitude and time, we can work through what fate deals us and continue down our own road of life.
SKU: CF.CM9777
ISBN 9781491164488. UPC: 680160923380. Key: Bb major. English. Marjorie Pickthall.
Text: excerpt from Brading by Marjorie PickthallHere, where the legions parted; Here, where the shields were laid, Wild orchid, honey-hearted, Grows in the wind-swept shade.Here, where the soldiers rested; Here, where they set their spears, The little larks, brown-breasted, Fall down like falling tears.Here, where the swords came after; Here, where the ships went by,The sea-winds send their laughter Between the downs and the sky.Program note:Between the downs and the sky is a meditation on the text and the notion of here. Reflective and commemorative in nature, the poem speaks to themes of remembrance and our shared connections to humanity translated through the natural world. Pickthall pairs anthropomorphized images of nature against the impacts of human violence and strife.I am drawn to the location-less setting of “hereâ€. We are left with a certain placeless-ness in the poem. “Here†could mean anywhere and everywhere; it could also mean right in front of us in this exact moment. “Here†is also a call to attention, here where we witness, where we notice, where we are called to. Here, where we love, where we mourn, where we hope to become whole.Musically, “here†is metamorphosed through various ostinati gestures as if to depict memory, reflections, echoes which reverberate long after the initial source, a heart beat, relentless waves pounding shores, etc. The work also juxtaposes extreme high and low registers particularly in the piano writing to capture the title image of the “here†found in-between the downs and the sky.The work moves in and out of unison, two part, and optional three part writing; from m. 45 to the end, the middle line baritone part is completely optional. The music functions the same with or without the inner voice part. This is done to aid in the accessibility of the work, to make the music as approachable and successful to groups of all abilities.
SKU: HL.234540
9.0x12.0x0.09 inches. English.
'This set of miniatures is based on traditional dance songs of the Yupik Eskimo people of Western Alaska. In their original forms, these melodies would be sung in unison. The first, third and fifth songs would be accompanied by frame drums. The second and fourth are game songs, for jumping rope and juggling pebbles. Aside from the obvious difference in instrumentation, my settings of these songs differ from the Yup'ik originals in other respects. I have extended and varied the melodies, and added countermelodies, ostinato figurations, introductions, interludes and codas. The first four melodies are drawn from the collection Yup'ik Eskimo songs, compiled by Thomas F. Johnston, and Tupou L. Pulu, and published by the University Of Alaska. The fifth was 'loaned' to me by Yup'ik singer and dancer Chuna McIntyre, who learned it in his village of Eek, Alaska. The poems preceding each piece are rough translations of the words to the songs. These verses are often cryptic and enigmatic. Their obscurity is increased because some of the words or their meanings have been lost, over time.' - John Luther Adams.
SKU: OU.9780193356498
ISBN 9780193356498. 12 x 8 inches.
For SATB and 3 solo voices unaccompanied With words drawn from an anonymous poem depicting Mary's woeful lullaby to her newborn son, this reflective piece draws the three solo voices from the chorus and situates them away from the main body of the choir. The increased distance from the congregation or audience enhances the timeless aspect of this work, reflected in the words and music.
SKU: GI.G-10515G
UPC: 785147051572.
The first comprehensive resource of its kind, Gloriosi contains a treasure trove of ritual music that bridges linguistic, cultural, and musical differences for the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Weaving together familiar tunes and ancient chants with newly-composed pieces, Tony Alonso has meticulously crafted the music of Gloriosi to inspire the participation of a diverse assembly during these celebrations at the heart of the liturgical year. In addition to settings of all of the ritual texts found in the Roman Missal / Misal Romano for the Three Days, this collection contains settings of every prescribed psalm drawn from texts approved for liturgical use in English and in Spanish. El primer recurso completo de su tipo, Gloriosi es un tesoro rebosante de música ritual que supera las diferencias lingüÃsticas, culturales y musicales para las liturgias del Jueves Santo, Viernes Santo y la Vigilia Pascual. Tejiendo melodÃas familiares y cantos antiguos con piezas recién compuestas, Tony Alonso ha elaborado meticulosamente la música de Gloriosi para inspirar la participación de una asamblea diversa durante estas celebraciones que están al centro del año litúrgico. Además de proporcionar los textos rituales que se encuentran en el Misal Romano / Roman Missal para los Tres DÃas en forma musicalizada, esta colección también ofrece nueva música para todos los salmos prescritos para las liturgias del Triduo utilizando los textos oficiales en español y en inglés. Listen to Samples on the Recording Page by Clicking Here CONTENTS: Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper / Jueves Santo de la Cena del Señor: We Should Glory in the Cross / Que Nuestro Único Orgullo Sea la Cruz • Blessed Be God Forever / Bendito Sea Dios por Siempre • Kyrie, Eleison • Our Blessing-Cup / El Cáliz que Bendecimos • Glory to You / Gloria a Ti • A New Commandment / Un Mandamiento Nuevo • Love One Another / Ãmense Unos a Otros • Lord, Hear Our Prayer / Te Rogamos, Óyenos • Ubi Caritas • Agnus Dei • Called to the Supper of the Lamb / Llamados al Banquete del Señor • Called to Keep Vigil with the Lord / Llamados a Velar con el Señor • Tantum Ergo Sacramentum Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord / Viernes Santo de la Pasión del Señor: Into Your Hands / En Tus Manos • Glory to You / Gloria a Ti • Adoramus Te • The Solemn Intercessions of Good Friday / La Oración Universal del Viernes Santo • Behold the Wood of the Cross / Miren el Ãrbol de la Cruz • Faithful Cross / Cruz Fiel • Forgive Us, Your People / Perdona a Tu Pueblo • O Come, Let Us Worship / Venid, Oh Cristianos • Called to the Supper of the Lamb / Llamados al Banquete del Señor The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night / Vigilia Pascual en la Noche Santa: The Easter Proclamation / Pregón Pascual • Lord, Send Out Your Spirit / EnvÃa Tu EspÃritu, Señor • Keep Me Safe, O God / Protégeme, Dios MÃo • Let Us Sing to the Lord / Cantemos al Señor • I Will Praise You, Lord / Te Ensalzaré, Señor • You Will Draw Water Joyfully / Ustedes Sacarán Agua con Gozo • Words of Everlasting Life / Palabras de Vida Eterna • Like a Deer that Longs / Como Busca la Cierva (Psalm 42, 43 / Salmo 42/41, 43/42) • Easter Alleluia / Aleluya Pascual • Litany of the Saints / LetanÃa de los Santos • Alleluia Popular: Blessing of Water / Aleluya Popular: Bendición del Agua • Alleluia Popular: Baptism / Aleluya Popular: Bautismo • Alleluia Popular: Acclamation / Aleluya Popular: Aclamación • Veni Sancte Spiritus • Alleluia Popular: Sprinkling / Aleluya Popular: Aspersión • Lord, We Ask You, Hear Our Prayer / Te Rogamos, Óyenos • Called to the Supper of the Lamb / Llamados al Banquete del Señor.
SKU: AP.47445S
UPC: 038081548302. English.
Here's a medley of hits from the animated film Smallfoot featuring This Is My World composed by Heitor Pereiera along with Wonderful Life, and Perfection, both with words and music by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick---that is sure to challenge your string orchestra. The catchy melodies and intricate rhythms are shared by all sections, and, as wonderfully arranged by Andrew H. Dabczynski, can be enhanced by optional percussion and piano. While optional, these parts will contribute tremendously to the rock texture, rhythmic drive, and overall effect of the piece. The optional percussion parts are constructed simply enough so that doubling players conceivably can be drawn from the string sections. Your audiences will find themselves tapping their own smallfeet along with the orchestra! This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: HL.49044595
ISBN 9790001197809. 9.0x12.0x0.103 inches. Latin.
Like most of his compositions, Rolf Rudin's Latin-language Ave Crux, Spes Unica (Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope) for mixed choir, percussion and organ was commissioned for a special event - in this case to mark the inauguration of the new Bishop of Wurzburg, Dr. Friedhelm Hofmann. The dedicatees of the work composed in 2014 for four- to eight-part choir are the (former) Cathedral's director of music Martin Berger and the Choir of the Wurzburg Cathedral, two musical institutions of the region, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the high artistic value of this composition. Even the initial musical expression marking 'Atmospharisch bewegt' [Atmospherically emotional] points to the intense sensual tonal spheres in which the award-winning composer puts both singers and listeners in this c. 8-minute sacred work using words by Edith Stein.
SKU: HL.49045309
ISBN 9781495082443. UPC: 888680656577. 9.0x12.0x0.859 inches. English.
I was immediately drawn to the quartet's poignant, intimate and expressive sound world, the evocative and hauntingly beautiful voice of contralto Karen Clark and the poetry of Henry David Thoreau whose words so thoroughly capture the transcendental spirit of nineteenth century New England life. Living and working in the high hills of rural New Hampshire provided a synergy of poetry and music that formed an ideal union to help frame the mood, character and direction of this work. Joseph Schwantner.
SKU: BT.PMC3599
Each of the five connected movements in this choral cycle contains references to 'Light,' assembled from various sacred Latin texts. I composed Lux Aeterna in response to my mother's final illness and found great personal comfortand solace in setting to music these timeless and wondrous words about Light, a universal symbol of illumination at all levels - spiritual, artistic and intellectual. The work opens and closes with the beginning and ending of theRequiem Mass, with the central three movements drawn respectively from the Te Deum, O Nata Lux and Veni, Sancte Spiritus. The opening Introitus introduces several themes that recur later in the work and includes an extended canonon et lux perpetua. In Te, Domine, Speravi contains, among other musical elements, the cantus firmus Herzliebster Jesu (from the Nuremburg Songbook, 1677) and a lengthy inverted canon on fiat misericordia. O Nata Lux and Veni,Sancte Spiritus are paired songs, the former an a cappella motet at the center of the work and the latter a spirited, jubilant canticle. A quiet setting of the Agnus Dei precedes the final Lux Aeterna, which reprises the openingsection of the Introitus and concludes with a joyful celebratory Alleluia. --Morten Lauridsen.