Contributing Editor: Jonathan Campbell
Luke Mayernik contributed a gorgeous French part song to the Graphite catalog that will challenge and reward your choir. “Emblem” is a setting of French poetry by Marceline Desbordes-Valmore drenched with romantic imagery: “I wanted to give you roses this morn…”. Scored for SATB divisi, soprano solo, piano, violin, and cello, the musical forces paint a rich tapestry of color and beautiful textures. The piece is intense and satisfying, almost like a self-contained cantata. Though only about five minutes in length, Mayernik serves up a rich and sophisticated piece.
Another lovely setting of French poetry in our catalog is Joshua Shank’s choral cycle “Chanson de la Vigne.” The work is a setting of several 19th-century French poets. Shank’s cycle is filled with sensual joy and beauty. Some whimsical “la la la’s” evoke an English ballet in the first movement. Poignant dissonances offset many carefully prepared and satisfying resolutions, such as in “Les table et les deux verres.” This cycle deserves a more prominent place in the repertoire. Of the five movements, the first three are unaccompanied with the final two adding piano. The five movements in this cycle are available for sale individually as well.
“Emblem” and “Chansons de la Vigne” would pair exceptionally well with another setting of French “rose” poetry: Lauridsen’s popular “Les Chansons des Roses.” The choral parts are similarly challenging to Lauridsen’s masterpiece and the combined French poetry would provide for a fascinating and lovely concert. Yet another option is Bading’s “Trois Chansons” for SATB and piano. If you don’t know these pieces, give them a listen—at the very least simply for your enjoyment. Any of these works will challenge an advanced ensemble, but the rewards would be great.
The USC Chamber Singers perform “Trois Chansons Bretonnes” by Henk Badings at their October 24, 2014 concert. Aram Arakelyan, piano; Jo-Michael Scheibe, conductor.
About the composers
Luke Mayernik is an award-winning composer, organist, pianist, harpsichordist, improviser, and collaborative artist. With over 20 sacred works published in the last five years, Luke continues to write both sacred and secular music noted for its engaging harmony, inventive forms, and cross-genre appeal. Luke’s personal mission is to help young composers discover their individual musical voice and instill within them a passion for artistic growth. For more info, visit www.lukemmusic.com
Joshua Shank’s works have been widely performed by educational and professional ensembles alike. His music has been called “jubilant…ethereal” (Santa Barbara News-Press) and “evocative and atmospheric” (Gramophone). The Boston Classical Review called his Magnificat for the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo “powerful” and “emotionally charged.” Learn more at www.joshuashank.com Connectedness – of heart, of mind, of body, and of soul. Jaunty and sensual, this song set uses French poems from nineteenth-century Romantic poets.
Our Contributing Editor
Jonathan Campbell received his B.A. from Luther College in 1998, a Master of Sacred Music degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota in 2002, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting in 2015 at North Dakota State University. As a composer, Jon has received numerous awards and commissions, including a Faith Partner’s Residency through the American Composer’s Forum, as well as first place in the Morningstar College Choral Composition Festival. From 2004-2012, Jon conducted the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota Chorale and in the spring of 2011, served as interim director of choral activities at Winona State University. At Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN he recently served as faculty conductor of the Cedar Singers male chorus and the Masterworks Chorale. Jon is founder and was artistic director of the Minnesota Renaissance Choir, and is currently Director of Music and Fine Arts at Claremont United Church of Christ and Lecturer in Music at Pomona College, both in Claremont, CA.
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