SKU: BT.MUSM570368679

Isthmus denotes a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger ars of land. The title is a metaphor for an effort to bond artistically my experiences of living in Cyprus, my birthplace, and in the USA, my recently adopted homeland. Having lived in a small, partitioned island for my formative years and in England for eleven years, water has always had a double meaning: it has at once served as a gateway to other cultures but also as a border, a violent and absolute interruption of a continuum. While in the USA, or indeed in a now connected Europe, it is possible to travel on land for days without having to encounter a border, in the countries where I lived for most of my life, that was not possible. As an artist, this notion of establishing boundaries and consciously trying to break them is very close to me, as my music deals both with modernity but also with tradition and, similarly, with metaphor and reality. As a Cypriot, the sea, the world of antiquity, the mysteries of the oracles, the notion of borders and the pastoral are all very central to my way of thinking. In Cyprus, different layers of history are frequently superimposed on a single building that might still preserve its Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman features in its layers of stone and architecture. Similarly, ancient ruins or the barbed wire of modern conflict often interrupt placid fields. An isthmus, therefore, can be seen to symbolize my artistic struggle to join strikingly different experiences and notions in a cohesive way. Similar to an isthmus, in this short piece, I connect these experiences with the purpose of creating a distinct and unique sonic context, connecting technology and tradition, the pastoral with the urban, the musical with the extra-musical and the abstract with the concrete. For example, the choir does not always sing in the traditional sense, but the singers imitate various natural sounds, such as water, air, crickets or birds, to create a vivid visual impression for the work. Scandinavian herding calls blend with field recordings from the seas of Cyprus and the lakes of Upstate New York, communicated within clearly defined, singular acoustic sources and spaces through wireless speakers. The text used is both onomatopoeic, articulating an imaginary language, but also literal, with a setting of the poem, “To make a prairie” by the iconic American poet Emily Dickinson and a tiny fragment from Callimachus’ “Hymn to Demeter.” Technology is used sparsely and very intentionally to articulate the expressive qualities of pastoral imagery, creating one unified synthetic timbre with the choristers’ sounds. This piece is dedicated to the wonderful singers of the Georgia Institute of Technology Chamber Choir with special thanks to Professors Hsu and Ulrich, without whose support this composition would not have been possible. Practical notes: A choir of no less than 24 singers is sought with 4 additional soloists (2 Sopranos and 2 Altos). Each singer must have their own wireless speaker, secured either in the music folder or as a strap inside their shirts. All sounds must match in volume the sound from the speakers, creating one unified timbre. The speakers should not be noticeable to the public. The four soloists are placed offstage at the beginning of the work. From 1:35’ onwards they enter the hall and take their positions, ideally at the four corners of the hall. If the hall is too large, the singers can find alternate positions, but these should always be antiphonal. The four soloists sing predominantly in the “kulning” style and the antiphonal aspect is very important to the work. There are two sound files for each section (SATB) that are triggered by each singer’s mobile device. The first occurs at the start of the piece, and the second, about a minute before the end. The sound files are able to be purchased separately, on CD, or are available directly from UYMP.

SKU: CF.CM9608

ISBN 9781491154304. UPC: 680160912803. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: E major. English. Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892).

The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennysons poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m. 19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word deep in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting. Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word dark in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word embark, which is to be an ascent to Heaven. The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 5764, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word when. Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter. I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~Jamey Ray.
The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennysonas poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m.A 19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word adeepa in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting. Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word adarka in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word aembark,a which is to be an ascent to Heaven. The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 57a64, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word awhen.a Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter. I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~Jamey Ray.
The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m. 19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word deep in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting. Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word dark in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word embark, which is to be an ascent to Heaven. The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 57-64, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word when. Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter. I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~Jamey Ray.
The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m. 19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word deep in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting. Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word dark in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word embark, which is to be an ascent to Heaven. The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 57-64, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word when. Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter. I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~Jamey Ray.
The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m.  19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word “deep” in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting.Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word “dark” in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word “embark,” which is to be an ascent to Heaven.The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 57–64, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word “when.”Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter.I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it.~Jamey Ray.

SKU: CA.3110211

ISBN 9790007047405. Key: G minor / c minor. Language: German/English.

In 1726 Johann Sebastian Bach performed a series of cantatas by his Meiningen cousin Johann Ludwig, then continued this series with his own works, but remained faithful to the textual models used his cousin: a Meiningen cycle of texts by an unknown author from the early 18th century. All these texts share the characteristic of including two quotations from the bible: one from the Old Testament at the beginning, and another from the New Testament in the middle. These cantatas include Herr, deine Augen sehen nach dem Glauben BWV 102. The opening chorus in several sections is one of Bach's masterpieces of choral composition. The cantata is also one of those works on which Bach's later reputation was based: performances are documented from 1776 in Hamburg and in Berlin by Zelter's Sing-Akademie from 1813 onwards. In 1830 it was one of the very first cantatas by Bach to appear in print. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3110200.

SKU: CA.3110213

ISBN 9790007047429. Key: G minor / c minor. Language: German/English.

In 1726 Johann Sebastian Bach performed a series of cantatas by his Meiningen cousin Johann Ludwig, then continued this series with his own works, but remained faithful to the textual models used his cousin: a Meiningen cycle of texts by an unknown author from the early 18th century. All these texts share the characteristic of including two quotations from the bible: one from the Old Testament at the beginning, and another from the New Testament in the middle. These cantatas include Herr, deine Augen sehen nach dem Glauben BWV 102. The opening chorus in several sections is one of Bach's masterpieces of choral composition. The cantata is also one of those works on which Bach's later reputation was based: performances are documented from 1776 in Hamburg and in Berlin by Zelter's Sing-Akademie from 1813 onwards. In 1830 it was one of the very first cantatas by Bach to appear in print. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3110200.

SKU: CA.3110219

ISBN 9790007136529. Key: G minor / c minor. Language: German/English.

In 1726 Johann Sebastian Bach performed a series of cantatas by his Meiningen cousin Johann Ludwig, then continued this series with his own works, but remained faithful to the textual models used his cousin: a Meiningen cycle of texts by an unknown author from the early 18th century. All these texts share the characteristic of including two quotations from the bible: one from the Old Testament at the beginning, and another from the New Testament in the middle. These cantatas include Herr, deine Augen sehen nach dem Glauben BWV 102. The opening chorus in several sections is one of Bach's masterpieces of choral composition. The cantata is also one of those works on which Bach's later reputation was based: performances are documented from 1776 in Hamburg and in Berlin by Zelter's Sing-Akademie from 1813 onwards. In 1830 it was one of the very first cantatas by Bach to appear in print. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.3110200.

SKU: CA.3108112

ISBN 9790007045470. Key: E minor. Language: German/English.

Bach composed the cantata Jesus schlaft, was soll ich hoffen [Jesus sleeps, what hope have I] BWV 81 for the fourth Epiphany Sunday, 1724. The cantata is structured as a little drama: In the beginning, fear prevails. The seas rage and Jesus is asleep. The threateningly foaming waves are vividly depicted in the soughing string accompaniment of the tenor aria. Jesus's words Ihr Kleinglaubigen, warum seid ihr so furchtsam? [You of little faith, why are you so fearful?] are set as a bass arioso at the center of the cantata; they provide the turning point. In the subsequent bass aria, the towering seas are silenced. A recitative - Wohl mir [Well for me] - leads into the closing chorale with its certainty Unter deinen Schirmen bin ich vor den Sturmen aller Feinde frei [Under Your protection I am spared the tempests of my enemies]. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3108100.

SKU: CA.3108114

ISBN 9790007045494. Key: E minor. Language: German/English.

Bach composed the cantata Jesus schlaft, was soll ich hoffen [Jesus sleeps, what hope have I] BWV 81 for the fourth Epiphany Sunday, 1724. The cantata is structured as a little drama: In the beginning, fear prevails. The seas rage and Jesus is asleep. The threateningly foaming waves are vividly depicted in the soughing string accompaniment of the tenor aria. Jesus's words Ihr Kleinglaubigen, warum seid ihr so furchtsam? [You of little faith, why are you so fearful?] are set as a bass arioso at the center of the cantata; they provide the turning point. In the subsequent bass aria, the towering seas are silenced. A recitative - Wohl mir [Well for me] - leads into the closing chorale with its certainty Unter deinen Schirmen bin ich vor den Sturmen aller Feinde frei [Under Your protection I am spared the tempests of my enemies]. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3108100.

SKU: CA.3108105

ISBN 9790007045432. Key: E minor. Language: German/English.

Bach composed the cantata Jesus schlaft, was soll ich hoffen [Jesus sleeps, what hope have I] BWV 81 for the fourth Epiphany Sunday, 1724. The cantata is structured as a little drama: In the beginning, fear prevails. The seas rage and Jesus is asleep. The threateningly foaming waves are vividly depicted in the soughing string accompaniment of the tenor aria. Jesus's words Ihr Kleinglaubigen, warum seid ihr so furchtsam? [You of little faith, why are you so fearful?] are set as a bass arioso at the center of the cantata; they provide the turning point. In the subsequent bass aria, the towering seas are silenced. A recitative - Wohl mir [Well for me] - leads into the closing chorale with its certainty Unter deinen Schirmen bin ich vor den Sturmen aller Feinde frei [Under Your protection I am spared the tempests of my enemies]. Score available separately - see item CA.3108100.

SKU: CA.3108107

ISBN 9790007045449. Key: E minor. Language: German/English.

Bach composed the cantata Jesus schlaft, was soll ich hoffen [Jesus sleeps, what hope have I] BWV 81 for the fourth Epiphany Sunday, 1724. The cantata is structured as a little drama: In the beginning, fear prevails. The seas rage and Jesus is asleep. The threateningly foaming waves are vividly depicted in the soughing string accompaniment of the tenor aria. Jesus's words Ihr Kleinglaubigen, warum seid ihr so furchtsam? [You of little faith, why are you so fearful?] are set as a bass arioso at the center of the cantata; they provide the turning point. In the subsequent bass aria, the towering seas are silenced. A recitative - Wohl mir [Well for me] - leads into the closing chorale with its certainty Unter deinen Schirmen bin ich vor den Sturmen aller Feinde frei [Under Your protection I am spared the tempests of my enemies]. Score available separately - see item CA.3108100.

SKU: CA.3108100

ISBN 9790007045418. Key: E minor. Language: German/English.

Bach composed the cantata Jesus schlaft, was soll ich hoffen [Jesus sleeps, what hope have I] BWV 81 for the fourth Epiphany Sunday, 1724. The cantata is structured as a little drama: In the beginning, fear prevails. The seas rage and Jesus is asleep. The threateningly foaming waves are vividly depicted in the soughing string accompaniment of the tenor aria. Jesus's words Ihr Kleinglaubigen, warum seid ihr so furchtsam? [You of little faith, why are you so fearful?] are set as a bass arioso at the center of the cantata; they provide the turning point. In the subsequent bass aria, the towering seas are silenced. A recitative - Wohl mir [Well for me] - leads into the closing chorale with its certainty Unter deinen Schirmen bin ich vor den Sturmen aller Feinde frei [Under Your protection I am spared the tempests of my enemies].