For SSAATBB Chorus, SATB Recorders, Dulcian, and Handbells, 5′
Commissioned by the Regis University Recorder Music Center for the Regis University Collegium Musicum
About the Music
The anonymous 13th-century round Sumer is icumen in is the oldest extant piece of six-part polyphony. In addition to the four canonic parts, it has a “pes,” or “foot,” which is a steadily repeating two-part bass line. The Middle English text is about summer’s arrival and features merry language about singing “cuckoo,” meadows blooming, farm animals nurturing their young, and possibly a farting goat (some scholars say “farting,” some say “cavorting–” take your pick!). I introduce this setting with a chorale for recorders that is a meditation on the “sing cuckoo” motive. The singers enter gradually, picking up the pace as they introduce the main tune. A middle section takes us into more modern harmonic and melodic language (with a nod to minimalism), again featuring the “sing cuckoo” motive. The last section reveals the full six-part polyphony of the original, with a new ending. Throughout, I alternate between the use of the flat seventh and the raised seventh of the scale, a modal inflection I believe medieval musicians would have appreciated. I dedicate Sumer is icumen in (Summer Has Arrived) to my friends, students, and colleagues in the Regis University Collegium Musicum, directed by Mark Davenport. This ensemble, now in its tenth season, has surely entered a summer of its own.
For SATB or TTBB chorus and English Horn or Trumpet, 3′
Commissioned by the First Universalist Singers of Denver
On “Chanticleer” by William Austin
TTBB and Trumpet version:
Denver Gay Men’s Chorus; Donnie Lemley, Trumpet; Ben Riggs, Director
SATB and English Horn version:
First Universalist Singers; Miriam Kapner, English Horn; John Hubert, Director
About the Music
Wake, O Earth is a joyful carol celebrating both the birth of Christ and the new sun of spring arising from winter’s darkness. The text, from “Chanticleer” by Englishman William Austin (1587-1634), imagines the “chanticleer” (rooster) at night proclaiming a new light and urging “mortals,” “angels,” and “powers” to “wake and joy” to see the new “Sun” (symbolically interpreted also to mean the Son of God). I have adapted Austin’s original poem to a verse-refrain format that highlights his notions of waking, joy, and light.
For four voices and harp (optional), 4’
Commissioned by Ken Phillips for the Lights, Lessons, and Carols service at Regis University
On an excerpt from “Chanticleer” by William Austin, suitable for liturgical use
Hail, O Sun Sample Passage - Buy from Disegni Music Italia Mia (2007)
For SATB chorus, 9’
Commissioned by the Sacred and Profane Chamber Chorus
On “Italia Mia” by Petrarch Psalm 121 (1997)
for SATB choir and piano, 4′
