SKU: LO.30-1687L

UPC: 000308057782.

Christmas is that wonderful time of the year when we sing, come, thou long-expected Jesus even though we know he has already come, and 'joy to the world' even though we know the world is not yet completely joyful. ôThese are the opening words of this thoughtful and expressive cantata-a beautiful combination of the meditative, as well as the joyful, feelings that remembering the events of Christmas brings. The congregation is asked to join in the singing of familiar carols, and the choir is given the opportunity to sing beautifully crafted, but never difficult, new music for the season. Performance time: 25-30 minutes. Flute 1 and 2, B-flat Clarinet, Horn in F, Trumpet 1, 2 and 3, Trombone 1, 2 and 3, Timpani, Percussion, Opt. Harp, Violin 1 and 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass.

SKU: HL.49004428

ISBN 9790001045988.

SKU: HL.280392

UPC: 888680971069. 8.5x11.75x0.281 inches.

The Cello Concerto is in four main sections that are played without a break. As with most of my work, the music throughout is generated from the ideas presented in the fi rst few bars, and these ideas and their variants appear freely in the different sections. Recurring material and references to earlier sections are used deliberately to create not only a sense of unity but also an impression of familiarity that aspires to induce a dream-like perception of the passing music, a kind of spiral. The piece opens with a slow introduction that gradually quickens into the first main section, an allegro. The form of the second section, which is in a lighter mood, is based on an early 13th century verse form, the Sestina, which consists of six stanzas of sixlines each, followed by an envoi. The words that end each line in the first stanza are rotated in a strictly prescribed pattern* to give the line-endings of the remaining stanzas; in this adaptation, each line consists of four bars, and the repetitions ensue according to the plan. The intricate repetition inherent in this form can also be seen as a form of spiral. The third section is an extended slow movement interrupted by a quicker episode that refers to the fi rst section. Generally lighter and in a similar vein to the second section, the final section includes a reference to the slow movement before returning to the lighter music that ends the piece. This work is dedicated to Natalie Clein.