Beatitude IV: Beati qui lugent (Blessed are they that grieve)

SKU: MN.56-0026

UPC: 688670220319. Latin. Matthew 5:3-11.

Written for the Enchanted Voices CD, this is one of many settings of texts either from the Beatitudes (or springing from them) available from this composer. For soprano solo and SS chorus, organ, cello, and handbells, the music has a light, ethereal feeling. The text is entirely in Latin and begins with a chant-like melody in unison. The cello begins to dialogue with this melody offset by a measure. The soloist is heard next in music that also dialogues with the cello, both a bit more complex than the beginning. All voices take up the solo passage, the cello commenting. The voices go into canon at the half measure, the cello continues with its own melody. The piece returns to unison and ends quietly. Duration 7:10