Three Choral Compositions to know in March 2020
A new month, three new compositions to get to know! I am proud that this is the third consecutive month of my new series. As I’ve said before, it is wonderful to use this platform to share more than just my music. To be there for my colleagues means the world and to share them with you even more!
Here is more about this blog series:
One of my favorite things to do in my job as a full-time composer is to find new voices (or new to me!) in the choral world. I love finding new pieces that challenge my thoughts about choral writing or that I completely melt listening to.
Also, to be honest, I also get jealous sometimes but not in a bad way! In the way that “I wish I had had that idea!” kind of jealousy.
P.S. Let me know in the comments if you’ve sung or conducted any of these! I always love knowing these pieces are out there being awesome.
**Full disclaimer, I will include one of my pieces on the list as I exercise feeling comfortable with self-promotion. I will also see if I can do 5 pieces a month so I can help more composers 🙂 **
1. Thomas Lavoy – Vigil
Program Notes from the composer:
Vigil was commissioned by the choir of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Tallahassee, Florida, conducted by Anna Marie Friars, for the church’s 2018 Easter Vigil Mass. This piece sets the poem Easter Even by Christina Rossetti, a remarkable and under-celebrated gem in the canon of Easter poetry. Rossetti aptly creates an image of the time before the resurrection, a time that is calm and still while simultaneously full of the love and strength of God. Vigil begins with a swift ornamental figure in the piano, which is revealed in the final moments of the work to be representative of the involuntary shaking of Christ’s body at the moment of resurrection; as Rossetti puts it, “the shaking and the breath.” While this could be viewed as a morbid scene, I prefer to see it for its freshness; after the immense power that God pours into this body, Christ the Savior simply awakes and takes his first breath in the new world.
Also, keep an eye for his new project Dreamsongs!
2.Amy Gordon – I’m still here
Program Notes from the composer:
I’m Still Here, the sixth poem from Ocean Poems, sets the beautiful poem of the same name by Jonathan Talberg, Director of Choral, Vocal, & Opera Studies at California State University, Long Beach. The poem is dedicated to Al Talberg (1928-2018), Dr. Talberg’s father. The piece opens with an insistent rhythmic motor, which is passed among the parts throughout the piece. The constant motion of the repeated text symbolizes the continuing presence of our loved ones, stating “I’m here. I’m still here.”. This rhythmic motif continues in various permutations until the final chord, finally resting on the words “I’m still here twixt sea and sky”, reminding us that our loved ones are always with us.
This piece may be performed as a stand-alone piece or paired with When We’re Gone 10,000 Years as the complete Ocean Poems suite. This piece would be suitable for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional choirs.
3. Whether the Weather – Carlos Cordero
Program notes from the composer:
Living in Texas has been an adventure. I have experienced sunny days, hot days, snow, rain for days. I’ve seen flooded streets and very dry land. It is too cold or it is too hot. I wanted to put these thoughts into music, and when Justin and Matt approached me to write a piece for them, I when looking for a tongue twister right away. When I asked around, Annie Blancken told me this tongue twister without hesitating, and I fell in love with it. It was perfect!
If you enjoy this Blog, the Podcast, or my pieces you can help me by becoming my patreon at www.patreon.com/composercordero. There you will find rewards and even more details about my work as a composer and perks for your career.
