“Cathedral Grove” is a magnificent park on Vancouver Island in British Columbia Canada containing some of the oldest and largest trees in the world. It is the towering majestic pillars of these ancient giants andthe quiet serenity of this place that inspired this music. Evocative and impressionistic in nature Robert Buckley's writing depicts the richness of the colors and textures and the diffused light shining through the canopy ofleaves above. At times hauntingly lyrical and other times prayer-like and reverent but always filled with awe and beauty. (Includes optional part for acoustic guitar or harp). Dur: 3:05Recorded by the Troy UniversitySymphony Band - Mark Walker conductor

from Living the Divine-This meditation on stillness begins with gentle guidance in quieting the mind continuing to lead the soul toward serenity and light with the assurance that true knowledge is not to be found in the external world but in one's own calmly abiding consciousness. This music offers many points of discussion for the young choir.

Written for the International Contemporary Ensemble and for Tenor Peter Tantsits. The work was created through ICE’s First Page Commissioning Program thanks to the lead support of Frances Kazan. The first performance wasgiven on 3 August 2016 in Hearst Plaza at Lincoln Center New York City U.S.A. Performance notes: 'As a composer I have a tendency to write music in rather low dynamics. The dynamics indicate an atmosphere and theurge to approach the music with a sense of calm rather than merely indicating the dynamic level. I do not intend for the music tobe too quiet – but rather projecting a sense of serenity. I would kindly ask that thedynamics be tuned to the location of the performance and subtly dramatized as appropriate with regards to the performance space and/or concert venue. ‘To the accompaniment of everyday life’ indicates an atmosphericapproach to the music that suggests fragility and loneliness. The work was commissioned to be premiered outside so the music was inspired by the notion of hearing the environment “accompanying” the music.' - AnnaThorvaldsdottir.

Commissioned by the Guildford Philharmonic for the Tallis Scholars. First performance by the Tallis Scholars on 10th March 2000 at Holy Trinity Church Guildford. Arranged for unaccompanied choir SATB. The Lord'sPrayer should be sung very quietly with an inner serenity and calm that is almost 'silent'.

The three movements of North Dakota: The Peace Garden State capture the spirit of this northern state. In 'The Meandering Missouri,' an atmospheric piece in Dorian mode and 3/4 meter, the Missouri River is depicted by a gentle accompaniment and lingering melody, making the piece reminiscent of a 'Gymnopédie.' A contrasting middle section with unexpected harmonies and parallel-moving triads brings the movement to a majestic climax before the opening melody returns and the movement ends quietly. By contrast, 'Black Gold Rag' is an upbeat ragtime number, which captures the excitement of the modern crude oil 'gold rush' in the state. Lively syncopation and playful gestures in the melody evoke the booming population of the thriving region. To conclude the suite, 'A Garden of Peace' paints a picture of the International Peace Garden on the border of the United States and Canada. Long, meditative melodies and descending arpeggios that weave between the hands contribute to this movement's serenity. Changing meters and changing key signatures provide students with musical challenges, while the pianistic patterns lay comfortably in the hands. / Piano

This piece and its prayer of “save me” can be approached from a perspective of simplicity and serenity or of deepest anxiety. The intention is that for all of the anxious undercurrents in the song it could be sungquietly and devoutly in a Christmas Eve service by a soloist or choir of any age and any mix of voices. Duration: ca. 2:40.