27 April 2010
Requiem of Loss by Edward-Rhys Harry
Requiem Of Loss by Edward-Rhys Harry is a 9-movement work for choir and chamber orchestra or organ. It lasts 30 minutes.It takes the listener on the journey from the first impact of losing someone, through the many aspects of mourning, ending in one final, devastating realisation: there is no option but to say goodbye.
The text combines words from the Catholic requiem mass with other biblical verses, from the enraged Requiem Aeternam and the masculine, rhythmic Kyrie Eleison to the feminine, ethereal Pie Jesu, and the final reflection of O Lord Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart In Peace. The Libera Me is set as a duet – a conversation between a man and a woman who have lost a child. The movement is dedicated to all those who have suffered a similar loss.
The first performance of Requiem Of Loss was given by Bristol Chamber Choir in 2008.
14 March 2010
Preces And Responses In G Major by Benjamin Costello
The newest set of Preces and Responses in the catalogue is for trebles and organ, though it's suitable for use by other unison choirs. It's been written for the boys of Shrewsbury House School.The organ part plays a very supporting role with plenty of leads for the singers. The intonation is as simple as it gets, on a monotone.
07 February 2010
Penitential Mass by Victoria Larley
This is a short and simple mass setting, for use in churches where the congregation are able and willing to join in. It provides a Kyrie, a Sanctus & Benedictus (in one movement), and an Agnus Dei. There's no Gloria, so it's particularly useful for Advent and Lent.There's a separate part for the congregation which is easy to learn.
01 February 2010
Rhapsody upon Arran Boat Song
James Webb has arranged this captivating Scottish folksong as a trio (flute, oboe and violin) for three of his GCSE students. There is a scarcity of material available for this combination of instruments and he was therefore forced to fill the gap, by composing something to showcase the talents of the individual performers whilst at the same time allowing them to develop skills of ensemble balance, tuning and co-ordination.The piece is equally useful for any small group of students at A Level who are required to submit a group performance, or as a practical example of a creative folk song arrangement.