Format : Score
SKU: HL.1428492
UPC: 196288202547.
The “Prayer of St. Francis” calls us to respond to inhumanity with humanity habitually as a movement towards peace. Opening with a dissonant cry for good will, the singers sing a series of entreaties, and the piano carries them over gently undulating quadruplets. The music flows freely till its final cadence.
SKU: CF.CM9122
ISBN 9780825868474. UPC: 798408068479. 6.875 X 10.5 inches. Key: A major.
Set to his own inspirational text, Prayer by Ricky Ian Gordon is a heartfelt appeal to the best qualities in human nature. This selection, by the noted composer of the new opera, The Grapes of Wrath, will be very attractive to young performers. The setting is basically homophonic, with the lovely, singable lines characteristic of Gordon's music, and a rich and colorful piano accompaniment that enhances the reflective mood of this sensitive piece. High School and above. 7:29.
SKU: LO.10-5207S
ISBN 9780787763725.
Henry Hinnant's original words and rich, lyrical music reflect on the greatness of God and our human yearning for communion with Him. An optional French horn part provides additional musical color.
SKU: PE.EP73479
ISBN 9790577019888. 297 x 210mm inches. English.
At First Light was commissioned by Eric Bruskin, a resident of Philadelphia, USA, in memory of his mother. Eric had a longstanding enthusiasm for my work, and I was touched to be the person he approached for a task which is both a privilege and a daunting responsibility. In a sense, no music can ever measure up to the weight of love or the hope of consolation vested in it under such circumstances - but in memory I carry the deaths of both my own parents, and I was able to draw upon that. Eric's fondness for my Cello Sonata (itself written in memoriam) led him to ask that I include a solo 'cello part in the new work - but his attachment also to my polyphonic sacred choral writing meant that he wanted a centrepiece which would be both a showcase of that approach and the celebration of a life well lived. Therefore, the seven movements of At First Light arrange themselves as a series of slow meditations surrounding an exuberant 9-minute motet in which the lamenting cello falls temporarily silent.Eric's Jewish faith meant that approaching an agnostic humanist brought up within the Anglican tradition was hardly free of problems! Gradually, though, I was able to win his approval for a collated mosaic of texts. This embraces some liturgical Latin (necessary for the motet) as the shared preserve of broad western culture in general, but balances it with a secular approach to loss, celebration, remembrance and the many shades of our mourning those whom we see no longer. Eric was adamant that he did not want the title Requiem; but what has emerged is still a form of semi-secular Requiem in all but name, taking its title instead from a phrase in the poem by Thomas Blackburn set as the third movement. This seemed to suggest succinctly how the loss of one very close to us is an awakening into an unfamiliar world where everything is changed. Following the exuberant central movement, the texts by the Lebanese-born Kahlil Gibran and the US, Kentuckian poet Wendell Berry first address the departed loved one directly, then place us within an imaginary funeral cortege, where the perennial and universal in human experience become personal without subscribing explicitly to any particular faith (or lack of it). The final text of all is a translation of a Hebraic prayer, requested and provided by Eric Bruskin, which serves to mirror its Latin counterpart heard at the outset.Throughout, the lamenting cello represents a commentary on the experience articulated in the text. It evokes and, in a sense, tries to embrace and sanctify the individual existential journeys of the bereft, as they in turn seek to make their own sense of what the short-lived Second World War poet Alun Lewis called 'the unbearable beauty of the dead' (movement 5).In a modern world hostage to ever greater menace, displacement, bloodshed and anguish, I hope fervently that this music not only brings a measure of solace to the person who commissioned it, but also makes its own small contribution to bailing out the sinking ship of humanity.
SKU: GI.G-007115
UPC: 641151071152.
This simple, haunting melodic line resembles some aspects of late-nineteenth-century Romanticism. Perfect for Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Pentecost, this sung intercession to the Holy Spirit depicts humanity's quest for holiness through identification with the mind, heart, and soul of God. Blending adult and child voices with the clarinet and flute obbligato lines in this piece creates a unique song-prayer to the Spirit of God.
SKU: GI.G-001748
An intimate book for reflection on art, social justice, and the integrity of the human spirit. Fr. Ron Raab offers the insights gained from his experience as a parish priest in a community with an extensive social witness outreach and offers suggestions on how to apply these insights to your own community. For prayer groups, study groups, or individual meditation, this book combines distinct artwork, Fr. Raab's candid reflections, and a brief time of prayer to focus on seven different ways that Christians and their communities live the Good News of Jesus here and now.
SKU: GI.G-8955
UPC: 785147895503. Latin. Text Source: From the Liturgy of the Hours for Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
My setting of this well-known prayer is largely based on a piece of 16th-century visual art of the same name,Salvator mundi, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Though many artists have created similar paintings depicting Christ in this fashion, Leonardo’s is of the small minority in which the orb that Christ holds in his left hand lacks any sort of ornamentation or indeed any kind of religious symbol at all. The orb, as it appears in other depictions, is referred to as a globus cruciger (cross-bearing orb). This term does not apply in this instance, as the orb lacks a cross, existing purely as an unblemished globe, calm and serene, mirroring the expression that is present on Christ’s face. This piece should be sung in largely the same way that the painting appears on the canvas: subdued and reverent. The dynamic contrasts in measures 22–28 represent a very human supplication to Christ, but they should not be overstated or dramatic in any way. Such is the case with the entire work, it is a very introspective take on the prayer’s text, and as such it should feel quietly restrained and reflective throughout. The piece ends with four double-barred repetitions of the word “Deus,†representing the four points of the cross. Listen to The Same Stream perform Salvator Mundi from Songs of the Questioner.
SKU: FG.55011-679-5
Anyone who believes traditional tonality to be no longer capable of expressing anything more than timeworn cliches should listen to Kerem's work. (Robert Maxham / Fanfare) Lament for violoncello and strings was written as a commission from Camerata Nordica and its principal cello, Per Nystrom, in 2008. At Per's request the solo part in this piece was composed to represent a lone human voice in a world of disappointment. The composer tells: I used the violins and violas as an operatic choir: they support and comment on the lament of the lone human being. The bass line is one long drone throughout the piece, representing destiny or unwanted reality. It disappears only when the solo voice with the chorus of violins and violas intensifies in their disagreement with life. At the climax of the piece the solo voice is momentarily swallowed by the chorus, only to return with an angry statement of the opening phrase. Thereafter the chorus calms down in acceptance that the world won't change. The bass drone returns to haunt the dying lament of the lone voice. The very last phrase is the only one in a major key and echoes as a prayer for hope. Duration c. 9 minutes. Score (all three versions), separate solo parts for violoncello / viola / violin and orchestral parts (33221).
SKU: GI.G-8504
ISBN 9781579999674. English. Text by Liam Lawton.
    ‘It is in great simplicity that great beauty is revealed, and only then may we discover where God truly hides.  In this moving exploration of the path to understanding God’s presence, Liam Lawton considers how we can bring spiritual awakening and consolation into our lives, in every circumstance. Liam shares remarkable stories of human life and of the people and events that have touched him during his years of ministry, along with fascinating perspectives on his own spiritual awakening. These pages reveal a God who does not intrude upon human living but rather is available to enter into the very depth of it and become present to those who wish for “eyes to see, and ears to hearâ€. Here are stories of pain and beauty, challenge and consolation, but, above all, inspiration Liam Lawton is an award-winning, critically acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter, author and Roman Catholic priest, who was ordained in 1984. The poetic lyrics on his numerous platinum-selling albums are inspired by many sources, including the ancient texts of Celtic Ireland, from which he also draws inspiration for his haunting melodies. His music has been used in many an auspicious occasion, from the memorial services of 9/11 to concerts in such places as the Vatican, the White House, and The Chicago Symphony Hall. Liam’s choral music is used in choirs all over the English-speaking world and has been translated into Spanish, German, and Swedish.  He is author of the bestselling The Hope Prayer. Contents: A Time to Be Born, A Time to Plant, a Time to Uprood, A Time to Heal, A Time to Let Go, A Time to Weep, a Time to Laugh, A Time to Dance, A Time to Search, A Time to Keep, a Time to Throw Away, A Time to Share, A Time to Be Silent, A Time to Speak, A Time to Love, a Time to Hate, A Time for Peace, A Time to Embrace.
SKU: HL.4008737
UPC: 196288197072.
Although specifically describing the uncertainty of approaching night and an evening prayer, Hymn at Twilight is actually about the human emotions of doubt, insecurity, hope and resolve. This solemn piece opens quietly and introduces a recurring four-note rising figure. Optimism, anxiety and resignation alternate, with the flute taking centre stage. Brass and woodwind take up the chorale. The piece ends in a mood of sanguine optimism.
SKU: HL.4008736
ISBN 9798350120134. UPC: 196288197065.
SKU: HP.9085
UPC: 763628190859.
In Little Seeds you will find new hymns from my heart. My devotional life is given to you in my hymnwriting. During the past three years I have been writing songs for the unity of the church - songs reminding us of our baptism. I have been writing biblical story hymns for lesser-known characters. I have written paperless songs that may be easily memorized. I set a Rumi poem. There are new hymns for Christian missions from everywhere to everywhere. You will find new texts and musical settings for folk songs from around the world. I hope I have treated these with the love and respect they deserve. You will find alternate arrangements of some songs that may be useful in different settings. Lim Swee Hong composed three tunes for this collection at my request. I am also pleased to include Lianne Tan's first published hymn tune in Little Seeds.
SKU: HH.HH370-FSP
ISBN 9790708059646.
A prayer addressed to Our Lady of Consolation, Memorare evokes images of flight and our basic human need for escape and protection. The subtle colours of Timothy Raymond’s musical language and his fine judgement of instrumental timbre combine to produce a work of immense transcendental power.
SKU: LO.30-2394L
UPC: 000308120387.
“Oh, freedom!†Mark Hayes’s inspired medley of spirituals is a remarkable tribute to courage in the face of adversity, the triumph of the human spirit, and the amazing grace that guides and sustains each of us through hardship. Opening with a slow, prayer-like setting of “Oh, Freedom,†this medley gradually builds in intensity through a thoughtful series of spirituals, including “Guide My Feet,†“I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,†and “Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land,†closing exuberantly with tenor solo and choir singing “Free at Last.†Great for school concerts, it’s also a terrific choice for worship throughout the year, especially Christ the King, Eastertide, Lent and Reformation. Don’t miss Mark’s outstanding optional orchestration!
SKU: HL.49047037
ISBN 9781705182024. UPC: 842819116998. 9.0x12.0x0.123 inches.
My father, Y. “Raghu†Raghunathan, came from India to the U.S. in 1963, followed soon after by my mother Sita. Dad enjoyed a substantial career as a pharmaceutical chemist, but he drew satisfaction from a simple life among family and friends, never allowing professional demands to overshadow his devotion to loved ones. Modest, compassionate, and ardently egalitarian, he was careful not to take anything too seriously, especially himself. He embraced his own ordinariness because it connected him to everyone else; it made him no better or worse than his neighbor, no more or less deserving of friendship or kindness than any of his fellow human beings. He showed us how to live with dignity, compassion, grace, and boundless love. His last piece of advice to me: “Go slow.†Several weeks after his passing, I happened upon a recording of Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes and Fugues, opus 87. I couldn’t understand why at the time, but the sixteenth prelude and fugue took hold of me and would not let go. I completely immersed myself in that piece for ten days, until it became a mystical conduit for something else: in this semi-trance state I produced a prelude and fugue of my own, in prayer (orison) and in praise (upastuti). It shadows Shostakovich’s form, but it somehow expresses my father’s unhurried, loving spirit. I’ve come to believe that he sent me this piece as a blessing. I hope you feel his presence in it as I do. Vijay Iyer.