Canticle of the Sun, a setting of the poem by Saint Francis of Assisi, was commissioned by the Twin Cities (MN) A.G.O. and first performed by soprano Elizabeth Pauly and organist James Biery in 2000. The parallel verses of Saint Francis's poem inspired from Thomas a series of variations on what could be called a Theme of Praise, a declamatory melodic idea which emphasizes fourths and fifths. After the initial presentation of the theme ("All praise to you, my Lord"), the speaker moves from extolling sun and moon to praising each of the four elements of the medieval world (wind, water, earth, fire) taking in all of creation. Because the text is concise- only a few key images per variation- it remains for the organ to develop the material through figuration, texture and registration, as well as to provide links between sections, each of which explores a different tonality. A special place is reserved for the human art of forgiveness. The vocal line here de Part of the Concert Organ Series. scends into its lowest register, accompanied by the simplest organ texture, before rising up again in fountains of praise.
