Word painting of a raw, intense poem by Paul Cummings is the essence of this homage to the miracle of music, which begins: Your harmony invades my being; / my body is captured by the embrace / of a melody that leads me out of dark places.
A flowing Spanish setting from Psalm 90 (91): The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield.
This marvelous love poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is dynamically dressed with a rich palette of word painting.
This section features instrumental and vocal music, including sacred and secular choral works. For any inquiries, please contact Paul@PaulGibsonMusic.com
Available from the composer
SATB chorus, unaccompanied [c. 3:00]
A thought-provoking text from Job receives an unexpected setting in an American vernacular style. The text begins:
Oh, that I were as in months past,
As in the days when God watched over me;
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
Available from the composer
SATB, French horn [c. 2:00]
Energetic setting of old English carol text, using alternation of duple and triple meter.
Violin, clarinet, cello, and harp [c. 17:30]
This multi-movement work, played continuously, is inspired by Margaret Craven’s affecting novella about life among the Kwakiutl people in British Columbia, I Heard the Owl Call My Name.
“[Gibson’s] moving The Calls of the Owl evoked nature imagery with lyrical counterpoint and flowing ostinatos.” – Los Angeles Times
Alliance Music Publishers - Catalog #AMP 0638
SSA, unaccompanied [c. 3:45]
Commissioned by Anne Tomlinson and the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, this virtuoso piece is rhythmic and driving in its search for peace. Chosen by Paul Salamunovich for his series on Alliance.
[excerpt performed by the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Anne Tomlinson, artistic director]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7969
SATB, flute [c. 2:40]
This con brio setting matches the vigorous early 17th-century English text for a lively Christmas carol for chorus, suitable for many occasions.
Watch the score and hear the music on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble, Vanessa Holroyd, flute, conducted by Robert Schuneman]
flute, viola, harp [c. 4:15]
This lively piece now serves as the final movement of Ternion Sonata No. 1, but is available separately, as an encore, etc.
[excerpt performed by the Debussy Trio]
Available from the composer
Children's voices (two-part), piano [c. 6:00]
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. PLEASE NOTE: This is not the same hymn that is found in the LDS hymn book.
[Excerpt performed by the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Anne Tomlinson, director.]
Available from MusicSpoke.com
SATB chorus and string quartet [c. 7:30]
Commissioned for the initial concert by the Ex Indigo Singers, this three-movement cantata on spring uses texts by John Milton and E. E. Cummings. Gibson composed it in 1980, and Tracey Linden (now Adams) conducted Ex Indigo in the premiere.
Watch and listen on YouTube.
Ex Indigo Singers, conducted by Tracey Linden Adams
Also available from MusicSpoke
SATB choir, unaccompanied [c. 1:40]
Beautiful morning song from the California Missions in a simple arrangement, from solo voice to SATB.
Watch and listen on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by Zephyr, on A Choir of Angels II: Mission Music (Civic Records)]
Available from the composer
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:30]
This exuberant setting of “Wir Singen Dir Immanuel,” in Catherine Winkworth’s English translation, makes a joyous feature of deceptive cadences. Written originally for Christmas, it could in fact be used throughout the Church year.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 5181
SSA, unaccompanied [c. 3:00]
Commissioned by Mary Breden for her high school girls’ choir, this deceptively simple folk poem about love receives a simple folk song-like setting.
[excerpt performed by Ex Indigo Singers, Tracey Linden, director]
Available from the composer
4 tpts, 4 hns, 3 tbns, bs tbn, tuba [c. 2:00]
This short fanfare was inspired by the sonics of the LA Phil’s brass section and designed to capture the upbeat, celebratory spirit of the orchestra’s Centennial season.
[recorded on the front steps of Walt Disney Concert Hall]
Available from the composer
Two-part treble voices, piano [c. 2:20]
Mary Breden commissioned this work for her beginning ensemble at Holy Family High School, in Glendale, CA, using a text by Karen (Hallal) Ricks.
See and hear it on YouTube.
The Choral Fundamentals of Holy Family H.S., Mary Breden, conductor, Robert Hunter, piano
ECS Publishing – Score # 7696 Handbells # 7697
SATB chorus and handbells (four octaves) [c. 2:40]
This Christmas piece, a setting of William Austin’s joyous poem, which begins “All this night shrill chanticleer, Day’s proclaiming trumpeter…,” gives the impression of rising higher and higher. Available in full score, and bells only score.
(Click on publisher link at left for score and audio previews.)
Example provided by E.C. Schirmer: chorus with synthesized bells
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 5196
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:00]
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.
See and hear the score on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by Zephyr: Voices Unbound]
Available from the composer
English horn, string quartet [c. 8:45]
This somber, expressive quintet was inspired by a Wilfred Owen poem, Asleep.
[virtual realization through Sibelius Sounds]
ECS Publishing – Catalog #7111
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:30]
One of Gibson’s earliest choral works, this tenderly imploring prayer uses fragments from several psalms as its text. A choir accustomed to singing chant will feel the interpretation come quite naturally.
Watch and listen on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble, conducted by Robert Schuneman]
Available from the composer
SATB chorus, unaccompanied [c. 7:30]
Three short poems by Sara Teasdale – 1) Grey Eyes, 2) Did You Never, 3) Nightfall – from her collection Flame and Shadow, are the basis of this set of choral songs, all bearing on a relationship, including tender, poignant, and playful emotions.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
Available from the composer
Three-part treble voices [c. 5:30]
This marvelous love poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is dynamically dressed with a rich palette of word painting.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
String orchestra [6:40]
This string piece reflects several levels and stages of profound grief. Premiered by the Orange County High School for the Arts, led by Christopher Russell.
(Watch the YouTube video based on this music.)
[virtual realization through Sibelius Sounds]
SSSA, alto recorder or flute [c. 4:00]
Composed for and premiered by Natur Early Music Ensemble, this setting of a Petrarchan love sonnet is filled with a flowing, romantic spirit.
See and hear the score at YouTube.
[virtual realization through Sibelius Sounds]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 6233
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 3:30]
Composed for Zephyr, this light and jazzy piece sets a text of bittersweet nostalgia.
See and hear the score on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by Zephyr: Voices Unbound]
Available from the composer
SATB, tenor solo, organ, flute, cello, handbell [c. 18:30]
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.
[excerpt from the premiere, conducted by Frank Brownstead]
ECS Publishing – Catalog #6728
SATB, cello [c. 2:10]
Winner in the 2005 American Composers Forum/VocalEssence Christmas Carol Competition, this buoyantly rhythmic setting uses an early Christmas text (in English with Latin refrain), and was premiered by Philip Brunelle and VocalEssence. Charles Bruffy and the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale performed it with bassoon in place of the cello.
Watch and listen to the score on YouTube.
[Excerpt by Philovox Ensemble, Jane Ring Frank (conductor), Rafael Popper-Keizer (cello) for ECS]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 6691
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 3:10]
One of Emily Dickinson’s darkest, this poem manages to describe the experience of utter hopelessness with stunning clarity. The intense music strives to match word and meaning.
[excerpt by the Los Angeles Chamber Singers, Peter Rutenberg, director]
Available from the composer
Treble chorus (SA), opt. oboe, piano [c. 2:30]
L’amour de moy (English title: The Garden and the Nightingale) was commissioned for the Intermediate Choir of the L.A. Children’s Chorus, and premiered by them in June 2008 at Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, with Mandy Brigham conducting. Its character is light, lively, with a touch of the medieval in the setting.
Watch and listen to the score on YouTube.
[excerpt by the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, conducted by Mandy Brigham]
Available soon from MusicSpoke
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 4:36]
Hildegard’s ecstatic praise of the Holy Trinity is mirrored in this expressive setting, built on an original chant inspired by Hildegard’s music. Premiere given 5/20/22 in Leipzig by Neue Kammer + Friends, conducted by Franziska Kuba.
Watch the YouTube video-score.
Neue Kammer + Friends, conducted by Franziska Kuba.
Available from the composer
SATB chorus [c. 3:00]
With a text drawn from Satish Kumar, this anthem was commissioned by the Alexander Post Fund of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, Mark Sumner, Music Director, who premiered the work.
[Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting]
Flute, clarinet, bassoon [c. 4:15]
MIDI realization by Sibelius
SATB, flute (optional), optional strings [c. 3:15]
With a text that reflects on God’s all-inclusive love, and a melody suggesting Celtic folk song, this was commissioned by the Diocese of Orange, CA, for the installation of Bishop Tod David Brown. “Well-crafted, expressive choral writing utilizing a variety of textures. This is a small masterpiece that I wish I had written.” – Richard Proulx
[Excerpt conducted by Steve Peter with flutist Wendy Karden Bamonte; recorded at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Portland, OR, for OCP/Trinitas.]
Available from the composer
SATB chorus [c. 5:15]
With words attributed to Pope Gregory I and translated by John Mason Neale (1818–1866), “O Blest Creator of the Light” is presented as a hymn with variations.
[Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting]
Available from the composer
SATB chorus and organ [c. 6:30]
An exuberant Magnificat is paired with an appropriately reflective Nunc Dimittis that have subtle musical connections.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
Available from the composer
String orchestra [c. 4:00]
Commissioned by Marcy and Mark Sudock for the Musique Sur La Mer Orchestras (Long Beach, CA), this piece for string orchestra was composed for the Double Coronation of Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla and is set to be premiered in London on May 5, 2023. It intends to capture the tradition of English and American string writing while being appropriately regal and celebratory.
MIDI from Sibelius with Note Performer
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 5175
TBB, unaccompanied [c. 8:00]
Composed for and premiered by Paul Salamunovich and the Loyola Marymount Men’s Chorus, this brief 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
[sample excerpted from A Mass of Life, CD-289 from G.I.A.]
G.I.A. Publications - Catalog # G3358
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:00]
This tender, flowing anthem is especially suited for moments of meditation and reflection.
See and hear it on YouTube.
[Excerpt from A Mass of Life, G.I.A. #CD-289]
Available from the composer
SATB chorus, unaccompanied [c. 5:00]
Reflecting the feelings of our COVID lockdown, the intense Latin words are set for a cappella mixed chorus. “In the midst of life, we are in death.”
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 5195
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 3:30]
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.
See and hear the score on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller, conductor]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 5197
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 5:00]
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.
“A most precious composition with great beauty contained in sustained lines, underpinned with tender harmonic weaving.” – Robert Kreutz
(Watch the YouTube video.)
[sample excerpted from A Mass of Life, CD-289 from G.I.A.]
Available from MusicSpoke.com
treble voices and piano [c. 4:45]
Commissioned and premiered by Mary Breden when she worked at Holy Family High School in Glendale, CA, this deliberately old-fashioned choral work for girls’ choirs is written so that groups of differing abilities may take part. The text is by David Umeda.
See and hear it on YouTube.
Performed by the combined choirs of Holy Family H.S., Glendale, CA, Mary Breden conducting. Robert Hunter, piano.
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7876
TTBB, English horn [c. 2:35]
A vigorous, joyful setting of a traditional English text, designed to maximize the rich sound of a men’s chorus. Selected by the Texas Choral Directors Association, performed at St. Olaf College’s Christmas Festival, and at the national ACDA conference in Minneapolis by St. Olaf.
See and hear the score on YouTube.
[performed by The Singers (Minneapolis, MN); Matthew Culloton, conductor; Marni Hougham, English horn]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7970
SATB, flute [c. 2:50]
In the form of a carol, this is a reflective look back on the original Christmas night from the vantage point of a bitter winter. The text comes from the hymn “The Winter Night” (1917) by Louis Fitzgerald Benson.
Watch and listen to the score on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble, Vanessa Holroyd, flute, conducted by Robert Schuneman]
G.I.A. Publications - Catalog # G-3876
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 4:30]
This choral enhancement of the beautiful and beloved plainchant sets some verses in simple two-part writing, others in a style reminiscent of Duruflé. Charles Bruffy conducted this with both his Grammy-winning ensembles: Phoenix Chorale and Kansas City Chorale.
“Clearly chant has influenced your music in the best possible way – it simply flows.” – Milan Kaderavek, composer
See and hear the score at YouTube.
[Excerpt from A Mass of Life, G.I.A. #CD-289, performed by Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting.]
Available from the composer
SATB, harp [c. 4:00]
A virtual lullaby (marked “Tender, with quiet joy”), this setting of the Latin Introit for Christmas Day is strophic in the style of a carol, complemented by harp, which ends the piece with an echo of the original chant.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7878
SATB, brass quartet (or organ) OR double choir [c. 2:40]
The widely sung 16th-century English anthem Rejoice in the Lord Alway can now be performed in double choir fashion using this setting. The first choir is the original SATB setting; the second choir can be performed by brass (or any other quartet of instruments) or simply organ. Text is included for those who actually use two separate SATB choirs.
“… breathes exciting new life into a classic Tudor anthem. Paul has ingeniously crafted four new vocal (or instrumental) lines to create a gorgeous double-choir setting of the original four-part work. This blending of ancient and new was a big hit … at Walt Disney Concert Hall!”
– Grant Gershon, Artistic Director, Los Angeles Master Chorale
[double choir version performed by the Philovox Ensemble, Robert Schuneman, director]
Available from the composer
SSA (TB), opt. ensemble (fl, eh, drum, handbells, hp, org, st qt (c. 3:00)
Composed for LA Children’s Chorus Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson in honor of her final season with LACC, this energetic setting of New Year’s verses by Alfred Tennyson was premiered on Dec. 3, 2017, at Walt Disney Concert Hall with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Flute, viola, and harp [c. 6:10]
Commissioned, premiered, and recorded by the Debussy Trio, this highly rhythmic chamber work uses both tonal and serial techniques in contemplation of divine interplay. The Debussy Trio released their recording of this work, Look Ahead, both in CD and mp3 formats.
See the score and hear the piece on YouTube.
[Excerpt from "Look Ahead," performed by the Debussy Trio]
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 5174
SATB, organ, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones [c. 12:30]
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.
[Excerpt performed by Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller, conductor]
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 5330
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 4:15]
Latin or English. 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 their CD of California Mission Music; Salve Regina would be chanted everyday in the missions. This piece has been selected for several all-state choirs. “Music of vaulting exaltation” – Los Angeles Times
(Watch the YouTube video.)
[Excerpt from A Choir of Angels II: Mission Music, Civic Records CVC1-0005-2.]
Available from the composer
SSAA chorus, unaccompanied [c. 3:40]
This motet for four-part women’s chorus uses a Latin text from Psalm 90 (91):
“The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield.”
MIDI realization via Music Performer/Sibelius
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 8519
soprano, clarinet, piano [c. 12:00]
A companion piece to Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock, this set of three songs (with an Intermezzo for piano) uses poems by William Blake: 1. The Shepherd, 2. Love’s Secret, (3. Intermezzo,) 4. Spring. Commissioned for the European Concert Trio by Harald Gibson, ECT gave the first three performances in February 2016.
See and hear the score on YouTube.
Available from MusicSpoke
SATB, trumpet in B-flat [c. 3:00]
A tender Christmas lullaby is combined with a solo trumpet, which is playing “Lo, How a Rose ‘Ere Blooming.” Mary Breden led her Consort Singers of Loyola Marymount University and trumpeter Sarah Bauza in the premiere at their 2018 Christmas program.
On YouTube here
Loyola Marymount Consort Singers; Sarah Bauza, trumpet; Mary Breden, conductor
Available from the composer
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 5:30]
A tender Christmas lullaby on a text by Colin Sterne.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
E.C. Schirmer - Catalog #7681
SATB chorus, unaccompanied [c. 2:30]
A vigorous, ecstatic setting of the Latin hymn by Hildegard of Bingen, the translation of which begins, “Holy Spirit, life-giving Life, moving in all things and root of all that is created…”
Watch and hear the score on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble, conducted by Robert Schuneman]
Available from the composer
picc+fl+a fl/ob/eh/cl/bs cl/bsn/cntrbsn/4 hn/4 perc/kbd/vc-1, vc-2, db [c. 29:30]
The words of Israeli and Palestinian mothers whose children have been killed are combined with the traditional Latin prayer in this cantata of compassion. “…an extraordinarily powerful piece…beautifully crafted and yes, the message could not be more timely…Congratulations on creating such a stunning work” (Grant Gershon, Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale).
See the vocal score on YouTube.
1. Stabat Mater / A Death So Brutal
2. O quam tristis
3. Pro peccatis / My Everything
4. Fac me tecum/ Now, My Beloved Son
5. Interlude: The Prayer of Mothers
6. Fac me cruce/ The Eternity Within
MIDI realization via Music Performer/Sibelius
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7877
TTBB, English horn [c 3:00]
Reflective and gentle, this setting of Quae stella sole pulchrior, by Charles Coffin (1736), as translated by John Chandler (1837), features a chant-like melody.
See the video score on YouTube.
[performed by The Singers (Minneapolis, MN); Matthew Culloton, conductor; Marni Hougham, English horn]
Available from the composer
violins 1 and 2, viola, cello [c. 15:00]
This string quartet is in three contrasting movements: 1) Overture, 2) Air, and 3) Scherzo.
MIDI realization via Music Performer/Sibelius
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 5173
Medium voice and piano [c. 6:30]
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).
[excerpt from And What of Love, Eroica JDT 3074.]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 5870 (piano/vocal)
Catalog #5871 (full score)
SSA and chamber ensemble or chamber orchestra (oboe, English horn, bassoon, harp, strings) [c. 15:30]
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.”
[First movement excerpt performed by the Los Angeles Children's Chorus; Anne Tomlinson, artistic director]
Available from the composer
Three-part treble voices [c. 4:30]
A flowing Spanish setting from Psalm 90 (91):
The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
2 fl/ob/eh/cl/b cl/bsn/cntbsn/4 hn/2 tpt/tbn/b. tbn/2 prc/hp/SATB chor/strings [c. 31:00]
This setting of the ancient prayer of praise and thanksgiving was commissioned and premiered by the combined choruses of Loyola Marymount University with orchestra, Dr. Mary Breden conductor. It is in seven contrasting but related movements.
“Beautiful sounds, elegant and masterfully crafted. Worthy addition to religious canon. Bravo and congratulations!”
– Rodney Punt, The Huffington Post contributor and LA Opus publisher
Watch the vocal score and hear the premiere on YouTube.
Available from the composer
4 horns [c. 3:25]
This quartet of horns bounces along, built on a distant memory of a motet by Machaut.
MIDI realization via Note Performer/Sibelius
flute, viola, harp [c. 14.30]
Commissioned, premiered, and recorded by the Debussy Trio.
Movements include:
I. Forgetting the Words
II. How sad, how strange the days that are no more
III. DT Variations in a Tasty Rondo Shell
Read a review of the CD.
Available from the composer
flute, viola, harp [c. 10:00]
Commissioned by the Debussy Trio, this second sonata for them features these three movements:
1. A Desirable New Perspective
2. Palate Cleanser
3. Dance Finale
MIDI realization via Note Performer/Sibelius
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 6549
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:50]
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, 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, Artistic Director, Los Angeles Master Chorale
[Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller, conductor]
Available from the composer
SATB chorus [c. 5:00]
Word painting of a raw, intense poem by Paul Cummings is the essence of this homage to the miracle of music, which begins:
Your harmony invades my being; / my body is captured by the embrace / of a melody that leads me out of dark places.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
Available from the composer
oboe, horn, cello [c. 10:00]
Premiered by And Then Some (Victoria Sabonjohn, oboe; Danielle Ondarza, horn; and Cathy Biagini, cello) on November 12, 2022, this unusual chamber work has three movements:
1. One-upmanship
2. But I Digress
3. Agree to Disagree
Performed by Victoria Sabonjohn, oboe; Danielle Ondarza, horn; and Cathy Biagini, cello.
Available from the composer
Tenor, oboe, viola, and cello [c. 12:00]
In settings that echo the poems’ atmosphere of bittersweet longing, the singer and instrumentalists interact as equals. Using English versions prepared by the composer, the two songs are “I Wait in the Dark” and “So Many Years.”
["I Wait in the Dark" performed by Charles Lane, Paul Sherman, Melinda Rice, Roger Lebow]
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 5178
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 7:30]
Commissioned by Holy Family Cathedral (Orange, CA) this extended setting was specifically designed for lengthy Holy Thursday processions. The English text, in a new translation, is sprinkled with brief Latin fragments. Gregorian chants and new melodies interweave in this meditative anthem.
[Excerpt performed by the American Repertory Singers (Dr. Leo C. Nestor, director) for ECS.]
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 5179
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 3:00]
Commissioned by Holy Family Cathedral, Orange, CA, this rich choral enhancement of the Gregorian Pentecost Sequence may be sung in Latin or in a new English version that adheres to the accents of the original. Chosen by Creator magazine as one of the 10 Best Sacred Works of 2001.
“A chant-based but harmonically accessible anthem which would work well in the context of Pentecost’s ‘mystery.’ Well done.” (Creator magazine)
[Excerpt performed by Philovox of Boston (Jennifer Lester, conductor) for ECS.]
Available from the composer
Tenor, cello, harp [c. 10:00-11:00]
Cellist Roger Lebow commissioned this set of three songs on poems by W.B. Yeats for his son, outstanding tenor Theo Lebow. Details of the premiere featuring the two musicians plus harpist Marcia Dickstein are to be announced. In order, the poems are He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven, The Stolen Child, and When You Are Old.
