There is never a dull moment at Graphite. The prolific and consistent quality of our composer’s work is impressive. Here are several brand new additions to the catalog. Be the first to share them with your choir!
“To Know the Path,” for mixed choir, soloists, and chamber ensemble, is a fascinating and bold new cantata by Linda Kachelmeier. Six movements parallel the ancient hours of Daily Prayer: Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, and None. But the texts are a combination of new and ancient words, all relating to the themes of each liturgical hour.
In other words, the cantata is an existential journey toward “home” and reconciliation. The depth of the work defies the format of this short newsletter.
“O vos Omnes,” from To Know the Path by Linda Kachelmeier
Performed by Cleveland Chamber Choir, directed by Scott MacPherson
To Know the Path
Linda Kachelmeier (Border CrosSing)
SATB choir, SATB soli, Flute, Bassoon, Cello, Percussion
Difficulty:
Certain movements are also available to be performed individually:
“Let Us Praise the Door” (2nd movement)
“Waiting” (5th movement), available for SATB or SSAA
“O Vos Omnes” (6th movement)
“The Feet of the Hungry” (7th movement)
Dale Trumbore has published a bold and reimagined “Magnificat,” for mixed voices (or SSAA) with piano or orchestra. In a lot of ways, it’s similar to Kachelmieir’s, because it takes the ancient liturgical text as a point of departure for a modern mind and context.
In Trumbore’s own words: “…I find myself drawn to poems and other writings that present a very human perspective on the divine. In Lynn Ungar’s poem “Magnificat,” we contemplate an apparent contradiction in Mary’s words: that magnifying God could in fact mean making God smaller, in the form of a child. Just as the poem turns these words over, finding new meaning each time, the music spins these repeated phrases into new harmonic perspectives.”
“Magnificat,” by Dale Trumbore
Harmonium Choral Society, directed by Dr. Anne J. Matlack
Magnificat
Difficulty:
Available in multiple voicings!
SATB chorus & full orchestra
SATB chorus & chamber orchestra
SATB chorus, piano & string quartet
SATB chorus & piano
SSAA chorus & full orchestra
SSAA chorus & chamber orchestra
SSAA chorus, piano & string quartet
SSAA chorus & piano
There is a general consensus that we are enduring challenging times. Sometimes the slings and arrows are too much and in these moments music can be a consolation. Moreover, as musicians we can be ambassadors and bringers of hope to our communities. Carlos Cordero’s new “Keep Going” for SSAA or TTBB and piano (or optional chamber ensemble) is a piece intentionally composed for this purpose.
As Cordero explains, “I hope this piece helps you know that even during difficult times, even when we think that we shouldn’t be in this world, love is always there, and we can support each other. Let’s reach out to each other and be kinder. We are all hurting in some ways.”
“Keep Going,” by Carlos Cordero
Performed by un/heard, Carlos Cordero, conductor.
Keep Going
Carlos Cordero (The Happy Choir)
Difficulty:
Available in multiple voicings!
SATB and Orchestra
SATB, strings and piano
SATB and piano
TTBB and Orchestra
TTBB, strings and piano
TTBB and piano
SSAA and Orchestra
SSAA, strings and piano
SSAA and piano
Jocelyn Hagen has made a name for herself writing major works for choir and orchestra and now her new, four-movement choral symphony, Here I Am is finally available. This piece has a generous patriotic theme, as the libretto was created to honor the suffrage movement as well as honor the contributions of women from all over the world, ancient and modern. It serves as a reminder that women continue to fight for equality at home and abroad.
As the audience listens they will also see new, original portraits of these amazing women projected above the ensemble. Hagen commissioned seven different female portrait artists from around the world to bring life to these women.
“Voting for Ourselves” from Here I Am, by Jocelyn Hagen.
Performed by True Concord Voices & Orchestra, with soprano Susanna Phillips and the Tucson Girls Chorus, conducted by Eric Holtan.
Here I Am
Difficulty:
Available in two versions!
SATB choir, treble choir, soprano soloist, chamber orchestra, and illuminated portraits
SATB choir, treble choir, soprano soloist, chamber ensemble, and illuminated portraits
Our Contributing Editor
Jonathan Campbell, BA, MSM, DMA, currently serves as Director of Music at Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka, MN., and is a Contributing Editor for Graphite Publishing. His music publishers include Augsburg Fortress, Concordia, Morningstar, GIA, Sacred Music Press, and Falls House. He won first prize in the Morningside Choral Composition Contest and was also awarded a Faith Partner’s Residency with the American Composer’s Forum. Jonathan has served many churches, conducted the Chorale of the Honors Choirs S.E. MN for eight years, and has served on the faculties of Winona State University, Augsburg University, and Pomona College.
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