SKU: PR.342402020

ISBN 9781598064995. UPC: 680160616084. 8.5 x 11 inches. English. Text: William Shakespeare; Aurelius Prudentius Clemens; Aeschylus. Aurelius Clemens, William Shakespeare, Aeschylus. Texts from Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, Aeschylus, and William Shakespeare.

When Tim Sharp, Executive Director of the ACDA, offered Stucky the Brock Memorial Commission, it was decided that the text would commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, since the annual convention would take place in Dallas of that year. To that end, Stucky chose four different but pertinent texts to honor the occasion, although never referencing JFK by name. Take Him, Earth was premiered at the ACDA convention in March, 2013. Originally scored for chorus and chamber ensemble of nine instruments (available on a rental basis), Take Him, Earth is presented here in piano reduction. For advanced choirs. Duration: 13'.
When Tim Sharp, Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association, very kindlyoffered me the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission for 2013, he suggested that because thepremiere would take place at the national conference in Dallas in the 50th year since the assassinationof John F. Kennedy in that city, the text might refer in some way to that grim anniversary. Hesuggested, too, that I consider using a chamber ensemble or chamber orchestra to accompany thechorus.I took these suggestions to heart, but at the same time I wanted to write something universal enoughto be appropriate on other occasions, in other settings. Thus the score is dedicated to PresidentKennedy’s memory, but otherwise he is never referred to by name. Instead, I assembled a group oftexts that are associated with him in some way, but that also stand alone as a more general eulogy.As a refrain, there are a few lines from the early Christian burial hymn that begins “Take him,Earth, for cherishing” — lines that were earlier set to music by Herbert Howells in his classic motetcommissioned for Kennedy’s memorial service in 1963. The lines of Aeschylus “Drop, drop — inour sleep, upon the heart sorrow falls” from Agamemnon were quoted by Robert F. Kennedy uponthe death of Martin Luther King in April 1968. The celebrated “When he shall die, cut him out inlittle stars” from Act III of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was cited by RFK a few months after hisbrother’s murder.

SKU: PR.114417250

ISBN 9781491110928. UPC: 680160631469. 9x12 inches. Key: F.

Concertino in F for English Horn and OrchestraPreviously known only through a spurious edition in G Major, the authentic Concertino in F was recently discovered in Italy by Pedro Diaz, English Hornist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Diaz prepared this ground-breaking authentic edition through comparison of the multiple historical sources and an intimate knowledge of Donizetti's works. The new edition in F Major is embellished with footnotes regarding sources and ornamentation. The piano reduction and orchestral score and parts (available on rental) were prepared by composer/oboist Mark Biggam in tandem with Diaz's work, and the publication includes extensive historical notes by scholar Michael Finkelman. PEDRO DIAZ joined The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2005 and has performed as solo English Hornist in hundreds of productions. As a sought after teacher, Mr. Díaz has lectured extensively at top music conservatories including The Juilliard School, The Manhattan School of Music, The Eastman School of Music,The Hartt Music School, and Duquesne University. His international appearances include masterclasses in Panama, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Leipzig, Berlin, and Italy.A native of Puerto Rico, he received his early musical training in the “Escuela Libre de Musica,” an esteemed public school for the performing arts. He has performed as a guest artist with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and many other leading ensembles. His playing has been hailed by critics as evocative, eloquent and expressive and is considered one of the pre-eminent players of his generation. Mr. Díaz has performed Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde 24 times under the batons of James Levine, Daniel Barenboim, and Sir Simon Rattle.Pedro Díaz’s recording of the Donizetti Concertino in F and other concerti is available from Fox Products and online sources, performed with members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. MARK BIGGAM’s compositions have been recognized in various venues throughout the United States, Central America, Asia, and Europe. He has received awards from ASCAP and the Cleveland Foundation. An oboist himself, many of Biggam’s compositions have been performed by notable oboists and English Horn players including John Mack, Joseph Robinson, Pedro Díaz, Carolyn Hove, and Dwight Parry. Premieres of his works have been featured at events including the International Double Reed Society and John Mack Legacy Camp.Biggam’s choral works have gained recognition, awards, and commissions from organizations including the Moravian Music Foundation, Ohio BoyChoir, and Triad Pride Men’s Chorus. He also has published arrangements and piano reductions of J.S. Bach’s music for Bärenreiter-Verlag. His collaborations with Pedro Díaz include the Donizetti Concertino in F as well as works of the lesser-known composers Pilotti and Mares, recorded by Mr. Diaz and members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Biggam has alsoprepared arrangements and settings of works for symphonic band, which have been performed by the Piedmont Wind Symphony.