SKU: CA.966500

ISBN 9790007167707. Text language: Latin/English.

Interestingly, Ayres combines the Latin text of the hymn with his translation here: in the style of a free motet-like cantus firmus, he interprets the Latin text impressively in music, making use of glissandi, wide leaps and unison twelve-tone linear construction for the dramatic second verse with its deceptive vision of night. He places the motet sections after the translated text, but quite simply with the Gregorian cantus firmus and in the style of medieval organum, however with interesting, diatonically written dissonant sounds. This rewarding piece is challenging, but well worth singing in a concert or church service.

SKU: CA.926400

ISBN 9790007261870. French. Text: Victor Hugo.

In his poem Soiree en mer, Victor Hugo describes how the sea can be perceived very differently by two lovers at the same time in the same place. While the man perceives the deepening shadows on the dancing waves, the woman marvels at the stars shining ever brighter in the firmament. In nature, as in the words of the poem, the painful ambiguity that represents life at its core can be experienced. Like no other poet, Hugo captures this almost unbearable simultaneity of living and dying, of love and suffering. Saint-Saens translates this into music - probably the most ephemeral and contemporary of all art forms. His balanced musical form leaves plenty of room for the poetry and his subtle variations in timbre, which also inspired Denis Rouger to his choral arrangement, create a seething motion under the surface of the sea.

This art song was originally composed not for chamber choir, but for solo voice and piano. Denis Rouger has carefully adapted it to suit the requirements and expressive possibilities offered by a larger ensemble, without losing any of the qualities of the original in the process. Each part in the choir has a melodic line drawn from the harmonic and rhythmic framework. In the process, the variety and refinement of the choral language combines with an enormous flexibility in form and expression, as French melodies or German art song demand from a soloist and pianist. The songs have been recorded by the figure humaine chamber choir on the CD ...wo die Ztronen bluhn (Carus 83.514).

SKU: PL.0620

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:6-14 * ancient Latin text with a 19th century translation as well * Christmas carol of intensity, yet with a gentle lilt * demanding yet rewarding vocal writing with a high tessitura * like the Gregorian chant, modal with a slightly modern flavor * occasional six-part writing adds brilliance and depth * slower pace demands good breath control and stamina.