SKU: CF.CM9654

ISBN 9781491157268. UPC: 680160915828. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Ab major. English, English. Julian of Norwich (1342-1416).

Burrows's setting of words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) is as relevant today as ever. For the advanced mixed ensemble, the powerful lyrics coupled with gorgeous harmonies make this an optimistic song of hope appropriate throughout the year.
All shall be well, And all shall be well, And all manner of thing shall be well. These words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) are as relevant today as ever. During her life, Julian saw her community devastated by the Great Plague as well as deep civil unrest. Yet through all the turmoil came a vision of hope that has given the world this profound text. One of the most striking features is how this short text incorporates so much repetition. It's as if the writer knew she must be gently persistent in order for her optimistic message to truly sink in. The opening section tries to capture musically some of that persistent optimism. Then there is a departure from this optimistic tone (measure 26) The feel becomes more desperate, building to an anguished cry (measure 38), acknowledging the reality that, while all shall be well, things are very much NOT well right now. Eventually the anguish subsides (measure 52) as the music turns back hopeward with the calm assurance, again and again, that all shall be well.
All shall be well,And all shall be well,And all manner of thing shall be well.These words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) are as relevant today as ever. During her life, Julian saw her community devastated by the Great Plague as well as deep civil unrest. Yet through all the turmoil came a vision of hope that has given the world this profound text.One of the most striking features is how this short text incorporates so much repetition. It’s as if the writer knew she must be gently persistent in order for her optimistic message to truly sink in.The opening section tries to capture musically some of that persistent optimism.Then there is a departure from this optimistic tone (measure 26) The feel becomes more desperate, building to an anguished cry (measure 38), acknowledging the reality that, while all shall be well, things are very much NOT well right now.Eventually the anguish subsides (measure 52) as the music turns back hopeward with the calm assurance, again and again, that all shall be well.

SKU: HL.49046382

UPC: 841886031753. 0.126 inches.

Magnificat is a tribute to the unaccompanied motets of favourite composers from several eras - in particular those of Dufay, the Eton Choirbook, Robert Carver, Lassus and Bach. The work is therefore full of contrast in texture, harmony, mood and pacing, and exploits the resources of unaccompanied chorus in a manner not only analogous to those already mentioned but also to ensemble or orchestral writing. Naturally - given the sentiments of the text - the mood is predominantly joyful and exuberant; but the darker implications of certain phrases in the text are not ignored. Towards the end there is a big choral explosion on one of the traditional plainsong chants for the Magnificat, before the work subsides into a coda of calm serenity. Magnificat was commissioned by the ORA choir. It is dedicated to the French composer Betsy Jolas, in celebration of her 90th birthday, and in equal celebration of our mutual love of many choral composers mentioned above.

SKU: PL.0408FS

Bruce Saylor is well-known for his exceptional sacred music and particularly his large-scale anthems. Blessing is a sensitive mixture of texts from the Scriptures and Jasper Keith, Jr. The anthem is scored for choir, trumpets, trombones, timpani and organ. It demands a great deal of sensitivity on the part of all the musicians and is especially gratifying for the exciting results that ensue. A quiet, rather sinuous line from the organ opens the work and is slowly transformed into more rhythmic and fiery figurations. A march-like section commences at the text, Hast thou not known? This subsides into more lyrical turns from the choir and organ and eventually a return to the opening music. The work concludes with an exuberant Amen from all forces. This is a real tour-de-force and should find its way into performances by large church and college choirs.