Paul Gibson Music

An old German Christmas poem inspired a bouncy, lilting melody for this charming motet in a neo-Praetorius style, culminating with a joyous cascade of "Alleluias." (German or English) Performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, under Grant Gershon, for their 2004 holiday programs at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

"An exquisitely crafted jewel of a carol, both original and timeless...a fresh and welcome addition to the a cappella Christmas repertoire."
Grant Gershon,
music director, Los Angeles Master Chorale

In a setting that echoes the poems' atmosphere of bittersweet longing, the singer and instrumentalists interact as equals.

Combining the most familiar plainchant with motives from the other common chant melody, Salve Regina ranges from simple unison to soaring counterpoint, reflecting many periods of sacred music. Composed for Zephyr: Voices Unbound for the ensemble's first CD.
(Watch the YouTube video.)

Commissioned by soprano Elin Carlson and included on her debut CD And What of Love, this set of three songs explores love from differing viewpoints: "An Evening Song" (American folk verse, attributed to Esther Mathews), "Infinite Fires" (from Marcia Falk's poetic translation of The Song of Songs), and "He Fumbles At Your Spirit" (Emily Dickinson).

Commissioned and premiered by the Los Angeles Children's Chorus for their 15th anniversary, this three-movement work sets Lewis Carroll's "The Walrus and the Carpenter," "Beneath a Sunny Sky" (the haunting acrostic that closes Looking-Glass), and "Jabberwocky." Parts of this work are heard in the Academy Award-nominated documentary about LACC, Sing!.

Composed for the Los Angeles Children's Choir in memory of their beloved Apprentice Choir director, this simple, tender piece expresses the words of Karen Lynn Davidson in a mostly unison setting.

Commissioned by Mary Breden for her high school girls' choir, this deceptively simple folk poem about love receives a simple folk song-like setting.

A straightforward, concentrated and intense setting of a powerful poem by Emily Dickinson. Musically not difficult to learn. Second of a set entitled A Heart So Touched.

With lyrics (in English) based on a lullaby from the Dominican Republic, this setting delves into the bittersweet feelings of a parent reflecting on the eventual departure of her child. First of the set A Heart So Touched.

Composed for Zephyr's planned CD of wine music, this light and jazzy piece sets a text of bittersweet nostalgia.

Commissioned for the 40th anniversary of the Benedictine Abbey at Valyermo, this reflective and meditative piece sets a poem by Philip Edwards, OSB, along with some Latin excerpts from Psalms 47 and 86. At the premiere, the final section included liturgical dance.

Composed for and premiered by Paul Salamunovich and the Loyola-Marymount Men's Chorus, this four-movement setting (in English) is based on a beautiful Epiphany chant and alternates moments of exhilarating power with prayerful repose.

"The Kyrie is like incense rising up to heaven."
Paul Salamunovich,
Music Director Emeritus of the Los Angeles Master Chorale

A setting of Marcia Falk's brilliant translation from the Song of Songs, this passionate, sensual choral piece was a surprise wedding gift for the composer's wife. Third of the set A Heart So Touched. (Watch the YouTube video.)

"A most precious composition with great beauty contained in sustained lines, underpinned with tender harmonic weaving."
Robert Kreutz, composer

Commissioned by Frank Brownstead, this setting of a rich collection of Advent and Christmas texts (in both English and Latin) begins with heraldic fanfares and concludes with explosive Alleluias for chorus and brass.