Searching for Benjamin Costello - 8 results.
The Preces and Responses in F, based on the Orlando Gibbons Songs (nos 1, 9, 13, 22 and 34), go some way to compensate for the fact that Gibbons did not compose a complete set of Preces and Responses. In this new set, although some rhythmic and structural liberties have been taken, the sacred tunes are entirely authentic, with the addition of some discreet English cadences and the odd Italianate flourish, all of which are in keeping with the time.
These Preces and Responses are tuneful, highly accessible, and can be managed by choirs of limited ability, with a straight-forward role for the priest, and scored for SATB with only optional divisions. Singers can also have fun in guessing which tunes are being used and where they occur!
They will make a very welcome addition to the choral repertory for Evensong.
Although most of this work is scored for SSAATTBB, it is accessible, and contains rich harmonic textures, with some discreet jazz voicings.
Fauré's Messe Basse is based heavily on a previous mass
setting he had written in collaboration with his pupil André
Messager in 1881, called Messe des Pêcheurs de Villerville
(Mass of the Villerville Fisherman), scored for ladies' voices &
chamber orchestra.
Fauré later removed his Gloria, and replaced Messager's
Kyrie with a new one of his own. He also removed Messager's O
Salutaris. The resulting piece was published under the title
Messe Basse in 1907.
Ben Costello has here adapted Messe Basse for SATB & organ,
making it available to a wider range of choirs & congregations.
A Babe Is Born is a short, vibrant and vigorous setting of this well-known
text, and makes an excellent introit.
It's been performed at St Mark's, Surbiton, and at the Actors' Church, Covent
Garden.
Composed for the boys of Shrewsbury House Preparatory School, Surbiton, this by turns vibrant and reflective setting offers a welcome addition to the small repertoire of Preces and Responses settings composed for unison voices and organ. Although originally for trebles, this accessible setting with its moderate vocal range will be enjoyed by amateur and professional choirs alike, and will be particularly welcome in any parish experiencing a shortage of singers! The manageable organ part plays a supportive role, whilst providing lively colouring for the more dramatic moments. The priest intonation is very straightforward.
SATB arrangement of the Gloria from the earlier Messe Des Pecheurs De Villerville for upper voices. Can be used as a companion piece to Messe Basse, also by Fauré and from the same work, which otherwise has no Gloria.
Composed in 2011 for the Thames Philharmonic Choir and their Director John Bate. The Choir enjoys choral residencies at many of England's major cathedrals. The setting was designed to be sung in spaces such as these, but also works in more intimate locations, and with fewer singers; one to a part would be just as effective. The soprano line is very manageable, likewise the various divisi sections, and the priest/cantor part is also very straightforward. The harmony is rich and expressive, with vivid contrasts throughout in drama and subtlety.
Composed in 2016 for the boys of Shrewsbury House Preparatory School, Surbiton, this accessible setting of the canticles for evening prayer may be sung by boys, girls, adult voices, or any sensible combination at the discretion of the conductor. The organ part plays an important role throughout in colouring and dramatising the text. Details of registration are left to the player. Some of the thematic material is derived, albeit discreetly, from my 4th set of Preces and Responses.