SKU: PR.342402020

ISBN 9781598064995. UPC: 680160616084. 8.5 x 11 inches. English. Text: William Shakespeare; Aurelius Prudentius Clemens; Aeschylus. Aurelius Clemens, William Shakespeare, Aeschylus. Texts from Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, Aeschylus, and William Shakespeare.

When Tim Sharp, Executive Director of the ACDA, offered Stucky the Brock Memorial Commission, it was decided that the text would commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, since the annual convention would take place in Dallas of that year. To that end, Stucky chose four different but pertinent texts to honor the occasion, although never referencing JFK by name. Take Him, Earth was premiered at the ACDA convention in March, 2013. Originally scored for chorus and chamber ensemble of nine instruments (available on a rental basis), Take Him, Earth is presented here in piano reduction. For advanced choirs. Duration: 13'.
When Tim Sharp, Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association, very kindlyoffered me the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission for 2013, he suggested that because thepremiere would take place at the national conference in Dallas in the 50th year since the assassinationof John F. Kennedy in that city, the text might refer in some way to that grim anniversary. Hesuggested, too, that I consider using a chamber ensemble or chamber orchestra to accompany thechorus.I took these suggestions to heart, but at the same time I wanted to write something universal enoughto be appropriate on other occasions, in other settings. Thus the score is dedicated to PresidentKennedy’s memory, but otherwise he is never referred to by name. Instead, I assembled a group oftexts that are associated with him in some way, but that also stand alone as a more general eulogy.As a refrain, there are a few lines from the early Christian burial hymn that begins “Take him,Earth, for cherishing” — lines that were earlier set to music by Herbert Howells in his classic motetcommissioned for Kennedy’s memorial service in 1963. The lines of Aeschylus “Drop, drop — inour sleep, upon the heart sorrow falls” from Agamemnon were quoted by Robert F. Kennedy uponthe death of Martin Luther King in April 1968. The celebrated “When he shall die, cut him out inlittle stars” from Act III of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was cited by RFK a few months after hisbrother’s murder.

SKU: LP.765762160309

UPC: 765762160309.

Chris tmas Mosaic is a touching musical portrait of the very essence of Christmas the wonder of Christ's incarnation the mystery of His being expressed in song. These arrangements beautifully tie together recognizable music that spans generations (even centuries) and express the broad spectrum of moods we all feel at Christmas...a holy hush moments of quiet introspection jubilant praise and full-voiced celebration From the stately opening proclamation found in the Fanfare for the Messiah to the soaring melody of O Come O Come Emmanuel the audience is reminded of the dark days of anguish for ancient Israel which ended with birth of the Messiah. The work continues with the beautiful standard Come Thou Long-expected Jesus building into a celebratory choral proclamation followed by the soft refrains of Of the Father's Love Begotten . Culminating in a wonderful worship medley of Come Celebrate Jesus with Joy to the World this work is sure to become a congregational favorite. Masterfully arranged and orchestrated by Marty Parks this 40-minute Advent and Christmas presentation is perfect for the small or medium-sized choir! Additional songs featured include: O Little Town of Bethlehem; Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring; Emmanuel God with Us; How Great Our Joy! and many others. The format usefulness and flexibility provides you with several unique programming options for your use including: Choose to use the book as a collection for Sunday Worship during Advent and throughout the Christmas season. The songs may be used individually as you program a concert pageant or a Singing Christmas Tree. A Christmas Eve service is available that includes several choral settings So here it is--a mosaic of the sounds colors emotions and moods of Christmas tha any choir can present confidently.