Notes on Music Pentecost
2004, Vol. 1 Annette Montgomery
The onset of summer choir
schedule begins with the season of Pentecost. Just as the church
observes different hours to accommodate family activities of parishioners,
the choir limits rehearsal time and scheduling of particular anthems
becomes somewhat uncertain. Thus, performance dates are not provided
for the works that are generally planned.
Also, as Pentecost is a very
long season, the information will likely be developed in three
or four volumes.
Trinity Sunday, June 6, 2004
Prior to this service of hymns,
the prelude is Trois Danses Liturgiques (Te Deum
Laudamus), Vaclav Nelhybel (1919-1996). This Czech born composer
was the first musical director of Radio Free Europe, 1950-1957
when he came to America, becoming a citizen in 1962. Over 400
of his more than 600 works, which are in many genres, were published
during his lifetime. Among his honors are four American university
doctoral degrees. One hears much dissonance in his rhythmic music.
He is quoted in one epilogue "Let music speak for me the
last kind words forgotten in the haste of living."
A Gaelic Blessing,
John Rutter (b1945) who was Director of Music at his alma mater,
Clare College, Cambridge until 1979, then formed the Cambridge
Singers, a professional chamber choir. In 1984, Rutter formed
the record label, Collegium. Text for this flowing work was adapted
from an old Gaelic rune.
Come Sunday,
"Duke" (Edward Kennedy) Ellington, 1899-1974. An excellent
pianist, his name is associated with the finest creations in big
band and vocal jazz. He listed his favorite composers as George
Gershwin, Stravinsky, Debussy and Respighi. Along with honorary
doctorates from Howard and Yale Universities, Ellington was awarded
the French Legion of Honor and the American Presidential Medal
of Freedom. He produced three Concerts of Sacred Music.
Alleluia, Will
James (? b1895-1978) composed this three voice contrapuntal form.
Day By Day,
Martin How (b.1931) Text is based on the Prayer of St. Richard
of Chichester (c.1197-1253) whose deathbed prayer includes ",,,
O, most merciful redeemer, friend and brother. May I know you
more clearly; Love you more dearly; And follow you more nearly."
Richard (Backedine), who became both a Bishop and Saint, spent
much of his life penniless after helping his siblings to reach
prosperity.
Fairest Lord Jesus,
with 17th century German text, Richard DeLong (1951-1994).
Prior to his untimely death, he composed more than 180 works for
church choir as well as over 200 hymn descants. His papers are
housed at Yale's Music Library. In 1999, the Yale University Institute
of Sacred Music established the Richard Paul DeLong Prize in Church
Music.
Shout the Glad
Tidings, (Psalm 98) George F. Handel (1685-1759)
from Susanna (HWV 66), 1749. As for many of his
oratorios, the libretto was based on Old Testament. Handel, who
was fond of opera but had limited success with these productions,
developed the English oratorio. Following the Messiah, he composed
them at a rate of two per year with performances generally at
the new Covent Garden theatre.
Exultate Justi,
(Psalm 33 - Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous. It is good for
the just to sing praise) Lodovico Grossi da Viadana, c1560-1627.
The Italian took the name Viadana after entering the order of
the Minor Observants. A prolific composer of sacred vocal music
best known for establishing the concerto style with basso continuo
as revealed in one of his many publications, Cento concerti
ecclesiastici, 1602.
With a voice of
singing, for the 1923 annual festival or the Rochester
Diocesan Church Choirs Association by Martin Shaw (1875-1958)
whose works are widely performed. Along with Percy Dearmer and
Ralph Vaughn Williams, he edited the Oxford Book of Carols,
first published 1928.
Spirit of Mercy,
Richard Shephard (b1949), Headmaster of the Minster School in
York, England. His anthems have become standard for many choirs
all over the world. A group of 20 have been recorded by the Christ
Church Choir, Charlotte, NC when Benjamin Hutto was Choirmaster.
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