The music for this setting of Teasdale's poem highlights the tension in the text between the beauty of nature and the violence human beings inflict on themselves. In the closing measures of the piece, the composer restates the opening line of the text to reinforce the cyclical patterns in nature: despite humanity's penchant toward violence, the rain will come and spring will begin again. / Choeur Mixte (SATB) Et Piano

Par PART ARVO. Composed in 1990, and revised in 1991, for SATB Choir or soloists with organ accompaniment, Pärt's setting of The Beatitudes is one of only a handful of works ('Litany' and 'And One of the Pharisees' also falling into that category) composed in English. Taken from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, as found in Matthew 5:3-12, The Beatitudes provide a fitting structure for Pärt's setting. Each verse states a godly quality and the blessing attached to it; all except the last verse begin with the word 'blessed'. The Beatitudes was premiered on 25 May 1990 at the Nathanaelkirche, Berlin, by the Theatre of Voices choir, conducted by Paul Hillier. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which before you. The gospel according to St. Matthew, 5, 3 - 12 / Musique contemporaine / Répertoire / Choeur Mixte SATB et Orgue

Par FAURE GABRIEL. Being such a prolific composer, particularly for Vocal and Piano works, Gabriel Faure 's music is always addressed with high expectations. His Les Djinns for SATB choir and Piano is no exception. Faure (1845-1924) began receiving high quality musical instruction from age 10 at the Niedermeyer School. He eventually became a piano pupil of Camille Saint-Saë ns. Faure 's career saw him succeed Theodore Dubois as organist at the Church of Madeleine in Paris and become professor of composition at the Paris Conservatoire, all the while composing sublime works. Les Djinns waswritten towards the beginning of the composer's career and is based on the poem of the same name by Victor Hugo. The poem depicts the sounds of the night. Each stanza becomes gradually longer as the text climaxes, and shortens again with the anticlimax, creating an arch form. Faure mimics this in his music through use of structure, dynamics and the texture of the Piano accompaniment. With Faure 's music remaining hugely popular to this day, Les Djinns is a favourite for the choral repertoire./ Répertoire / Choeur à 4 Voix et Piano