Choral Compositions
I love the sound of choirs. I have begun writing choral music and have a few pieces now. I find there is something so beautiful about the sound of voices singing together in ensemble. It’s very spiritual and human. Of all the ways to make music, I think choral music is the most beautiful sound. John Bickerton interview 2020
Ubi Caritas – (2022) SATB unaccompanied
The video below features a performance by the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir in synchronization with the score.
Ubi Caritas (2022)
For SATB unaccompanied choir, this is a Latin text setting of Ubi Caritas. There are three sections, A slow, declamatory, hymn-like, first verse is followed by a faster, more rhythmically driving second verse. The third section reprises the first verse text now combining the motion and rhythm of the second section with the hymn-like qualities of the first.
The piece should appeal to a wide audience and ensembles will enjoy singing it as it provides an opportunity to really show off a range of dramatic dynamics (for example: see measures 73-75, m. 81-82 and m. 88 of the score).
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UBI caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. |
WHERE charity and love are, God is there. Christ’s love has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And may we love each other with a sincere heart. |
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UBI caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur: Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus. Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites. Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus. |
WHERE charity and love are, God is there. As we are gathered into one body, Beware, lest we be divided in mind. Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease, And may Christ our God be in our midst. |
Clicking the link below will open the score in a new browser tab.
To receive a review score (pdf), please contact me.
Alleluia – (2022) SATB with piano accompaniment
The video below features a performance by the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir in synchronization with the score.
Alleluia (2022)
The Alleluia is extremely accessible to most ensembles. It is quite easy to sing (both notes and vocal lines) and will return results quickly at rehearsal. It is written for SATB choir with piano accompaniment. It sets selected texts from the Gospel along with a few lines written by the composer. The piano part is not difficult and can practically be sight-read by a capable pianist. The Alleluia is meant to be joyous and works best when it is performed with motion and drive.
Alleluia, Hosanna in excelsis
Alleluia, Hosanna in excelsis
O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
World without end
Alleluia
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory
Glory be the thee O Lord most high
Give praise to the Lord! Sing out a new song
Let us rejoice, and be glad in Him
Hear us sing
Alleluia, O Lord Holy Father Almighty, Everlasting God
Hosanna in excelsis, Alleluia
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
World without end, Amen
Alleluia
Clicking the link below will open the score in a new browser tab.
To receive a review score (pdf), please contact me.
Ubi Caritas et Amor – (2012) SATB unaccompanied
Ubi Caritas (2012)The video below features a demo performance in synchronization with the score.
Ubi Caritas et amor (2012, slight revision 2023) For SATB unaccompanied choir with divisi.
This piece is a setting of the Latin text. Though at a glance the piece may appear challenging, as there are divisi in each part, the experience of the singers on the demo recording found it very singable and quite easy to sightread. Though the piece travels through several key centers everything is approached by step, there are no large leaps in the parts. The melodies are simple and singable.
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UBI caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur.
Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.
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WHERE charity and love are, God is there.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.
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UBI caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur:
Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.
Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites.
Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.
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WHERE charity and love are, God is there.
As we are gathered into one body,
Beware, lest we be divided in mind.
Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,
And may Christ our God be in our midst.
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Clicking the link below will open the score in a new browser tab.
To receive a review score (pdf), please contact me.