Choral Music

When Hearts Overflow, commissioned by Kelly Ann Self and the Orange Coast College Chorale, sets the beautiful poem by Kelly Ann Self. The text is a reminder that we can overcome pain and hardship if we unite, both figuratively and literally, in singing. The musical texture alternates between legato vocal lines accompanied by flowing piano arpeggios and punchier vocal statements supported by contrapuntal piano dialogue, acting as a metaphor for continuously finding joy amidst difficult times. This piece is suitable for any Mixed-Voice ensemble and would fit well in any concert about mental health. Conductor: Kelly Ann Self Choir: Orange Coast College Chorale

Ruminations & Affirmations was commissioned by Jackson Thomas for a culminating doctoral study at the University of Kansas centered on the pedagogy of minimalist vocal techniques. The piece is inspired by elements of Minimalism, as well as the composer's personal experiences with anxiety and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). The first half, Ruminations, features an incessant motor and an "obsessive thought" in the piano that keeps restarting, followed by frantic intrusive worries sung by the choir. The Ruminations section climaxes into a slowly building wall of anxiety featuring counting and various obsessive thoughts from which the singers may choose. This gives way to the choir taking a breath, holding it, and slowly exhaling along with the slowing motor in the piano, resting on B Major. The second half, Affirmations, begins in the calmer Parallel E Major with a slower, more peaceful motor in the Piano. The choir then sings meditative observations based on their senses, which is adapted from the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique, often used to calm an anxious mind (it asks the person to name 5 things they can see, 4 things they can feel, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they can smell, and 1 thing they can taste). The idea is to gently bring one's consciousness back into the present and immediate physical world. The section concludes with the choir singing repeating affirmations, often used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat anxiety and OCD. If you or anyone you know is suffering from anxiety or OCD, know that help is available. Reach out to a licensed professional or one of many resources available, such as the International OCD Foundation (https://iocdf.org/) to be connected to someone who can help. Conductor: Jackson Thomas Choir: KC VITAs Composer & Lyricist: Amy Gordon

I Celebrate Life (the second and last movement of the Light Cycle suite), commissioned by Jennifer Gaderlund for the Graham Middle School Choirs, sets the beautiful poem by Rhoda Gordon, the composer’s late grandmother, for SATB (orig. SSA) Choir and Piano. The piece opens with an excited yet hushed ostinato in the Piano. The choir sings the first four lines of the poem by repeating the beginning line and adding the next line until it is complete, utilizing the modern technique of additive processes popular in Minimalism. In the more pensive middle section, the ostinato transforms into a more poignant texture as the Choir “realizes the joy of being through seeing the glorious creation” that they are a part of. The ostinato then speeds up and returns to the hushed excitement heard in the opening. The piece concludes with the Choir building up to the most important line of the text: “The most powerful light to celebrate by is love.” Conductor: Drew Corey Choir: San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Composer: Amy Gordon Text: Rhoda Gordon

PROGRAM NOTE: The music and lyrics of Songs of Hope in Strange Times: In Times of Stasis was written during the COVID-19 global pandemic of 2020-onwards and was commissioned by Westminster High School, directed by Kelly Ann Self. The overall song cycle is five movements long, with each movement reflecting on how to find hope and meaning during strange and unknown times of life. In Times of Stasis, the third movement of this song cycle, represents the sense of stasis deep in the waiting period of the pandemic. Without being able to observe the normal markers of time passing, such as birthdays, school years, or holidays, time seemed to stand still as each day blended into the next. This sense of moving neither forward nor backward is reminiscent of walking in the ocean tide, where one wave is crashing on shore and another is receding, creating the sense one is simply standing still. While it can be hard to find meaning in these static times, perhaps just being alive and present in this moment is in itself enough. This movement could be performed as a stand-alone piece or as part of the entire song cycle. TEXT When you are suspended In crystallized time, Neither ebbing nor flowing Caught mid-crosscurrent in the tide, It is here you simply breathe, Knowing that This. You. It is enough. Composer & Text: Amy Gordon Conductor: Kelly Ann Self Commissioned & Premiered by: Westminster High School Choir Audio Recording: Matthew Ian Welch To see a perusal score, visit www.amygordonmusic.com or email [email protected]. To purchase scores, visit https://amygordonmusic.com/product/in-times-of-stasis/

This up-tempo arrangement of In Dulci Jubilo, commissioned by the Arlington Master Chorale, directed by Randy Jordan, features a modern reharmonization of this beloved carol. The choir is partnered with a colorfully orchestrated Piano and Solo Cello accompaniment. The melody is passed between the voices so each part has a chance to sing the main theme. The harmonies feature surprising twists, such as the use of modal interchange and pedal tones. This carol would fit well in any holiday-themed concert, Festival of Lessons and Carols, or sacred Christmas and/or Epiphany service. Conductor: Randy Jordan Choir: Arlington Master Chorale Composer: Amy Gordon

This up-tempo arrangement of Joy to the World, commissioned by Jonathan Bautista and dedicated to Nova Vocal Ensemble, features lively rhythms, playful dialogue between the voices, and a fresh reharmonization of this beloved carol. Most of the melodic, rhythmic, and motivic counterpoint is adapted from another beloved carol, Deck the Halls. Conductor: Randy Jordan Choir: The Arlington Master Chorale

Alleluia is part of the sacred mass tradition and is associated with praise and acclamations. This modern setting of the Alleluia text, which was commissioned by Choral Arts Initiative for the 2019 PREMIERE|Project Festival, opens with a fanfare-like piano solo. The choir then enters and slowly builds in excitement before reaching a climax. The B section of this piece explores different choral textures, using flowing lines and dynamic swells. After the flowing triplet section, the opening material returns and builds until the final joyous ending. This bright Alleluia setting would fit well in a concert or sacred service, especially Easter Sunday. Conductor: Brandon Elliott Choir: Choral Arts Initiative Composer: Amy Gordon Recording Engineer: Marcus Carline

I’m Still Here, the sixth poem from Ocean Poems, sets the beautiful poem of the same name by Jonathan Talberg, Director of Choral, Vocal, & Opera Studies at California State University, Long Beach. The poem is dedicated to Al Talberg (1928-2018), Dr. Talberg’s father. The piece opens with an insistent rhythmic motor, which is passed among the parts throughout the piece. The constant motion of the repeated text symbolizes the continuing presence of our loved ones, stating “I’m here. I’m still here.”. This rhythmic motif continues in various permutations until the final chord, finally resting on the words “I’m still here twixt sea and sky”, reminding us that our loved ones are always with us. Conductor: Saunder Choi Choir: C3LA: Contemporary Choral Collective of Los Angeles Composer: Amy Gordon Text: Jonathan Talberg

When We’re Gone 10,000 Years from Ocean Poems sets the beautiful poem of the same name by Jonathan Talberg, Director of Choral, Vocal, & Opera Studies at California State University, Long Beach. This piece uses hocket-like interplay between the vocal parts and metric displacement to create rhythmic propulsion. There is a limited set of rhythmic motifs used throughout the piece, including eighth note and quarter note trios, triplets, and metric displacement. The technique of text painting is used for certain words to bring the text to life, such as soaring, howling, and tumbling. Conductor: David Rentz Choir: C3LA: Contemporary Choral Collective of Los Angeles Composer: Amy Gordon Text: Jonathan Talberg

Sub Tuum Praesidium is the sacred text of the oldest known Christian hymn about the Virgin Mary. This setting features modern techniques, such as chromatic mediants and polymodal textures. This piece would fit well into any Mass, sacred concert, or worship service. Sub Tuum Praesidium won the first annual Jim MacMillan Prize in Composition in 2019 and was premiered by the CGOA Voci Choir, conducted by Mark Steighner, on April 26/28 2019 in Hood River, OR.

Light in the Darkness, commissioned by and dedicated to Dr. Mary Breden, sets the Christmas poem “Light in the Darkness” by poet Norval Clyne (1817-1888). The bright and bell-like piano accompaniment, although sometimes also quiet and pensive, reflects the simultaneous darkness of winter and the shining hope that the Savior’s birth brings the world on Christmas morning. Steadily building in intensity throughout the piece, the choir proclaims the coming great Light that is about to shine. The piece also features surprising modal shifts, harmonic progressions, and modulations. The piece was premiered by the LMU Concert Choir, conducted by Dr. Mary Breden, on December 6th and 8th, 2018 at Sacred Heart Chapel at Loyola Marymount University. Conductor: Dr. Mary Breden Choir: Loyola Marymount University Concert Choir Premiere: December 2018

Lotus Flower, commissioned by Ruth Ballenger and dedicated to The Ramona Convent Secondary School Chamber Singers, sets the beautiful poem by Analisa Vanegas (Ramona Convent Secondary School, ’18) for SA Choir and Piano. The use of body percussion and rhythmic vocal lines bring out the anthemic nature of the text, which calls the younger generation to “value the oppressed” and “influence inspirations” as they grow into adults. This piece is suitable for any treble voiced ensemble, high school choir, or choir looking to explore body percussion and syncopated rhythms. Premiere: April 28th, 2018 at San Marino Community Church

We Three Kings is a traditional Christmas Carol telling the story of three Magi who followed a star to Bethlehem, leading them to the infant Jesus. This arrangement, commissioned by Jonathan Bautista and dedicated to Nova Vocal Ensemble, features a modern reharmonization and an original motive (introduced in the tenors' first three notes) that is woven throughout the entire piece. Conductor: Jonathan Bautista Choir: Nova Vocal Ensemble

Two Friends is the first movement from Amy Gordon's choral song cycle "As Time Stops To Rest". The text, written by Susan Jordan, describes the peace of two friends losing track of time as they sit beside the ocean together. World premiere: 8/26/17 in Palos Verdes, CA Composer: Amy Gordon Text: Susan Jordan Conductor: Bryant Nguyen Ensemble: South Bay Chamber Singers Featured Soloist: Daniel Charleston (tenor) Recorded/Mixed by: Mehdi Hassine

Storm's End is the second movement from Amy Gordon's choral song cycle "As Time Stops To Rest". The text, written by Susan Jordan, begins with a violent storm raging across a bliss field. After the storm has passed, there is a sense of overwhelming peace that sometimes follows an intense loss or tragedy. World premiere: 8/26/17 in Palos Verdes, CA Composer: Amy Gordon Text: Susan Jordan Conductor: Bryant Nguyen Ensemble: South Bay Chamber Singers Recorded/Mixed by: Mehdi Hassine

Magic is the third and final movement from Amy Gordon's choral song cycle "As Time Stops To Rest". The text, written by Susan Jordan, describes how the narrator sometimes touches the spirit kingdom that "lives forever close and forever strong". The narrator explains how the close encounters are never very long, but when they happen "for a moment I grow flowers with my hands". The piece ends with the narrator entering "the kingdom of all" and finally joining the spirit world described throughout the piece. World premiere: 8/26/17 in Palos Verdes, CA Composer: Amy Gordon Text: Susan Jordan Conductor: Bryant Nguyen Ensemble: South Bay Chamber Singers Featured Soloists: Ashley Stanbury and Mallory Gantner (soprano) Recorded/Mixed by: Mehdi Hassine

Nurse's Song (Songs of Innocence), commissioned by Jennifer Gaderlund and dedicated to The Graham Middle School Vocal Ensemble, sets the poignant poem by William Blake from his set of poems "Songs of Innocence and Experience". Conductor: Jennifer Gaderlund Choir: The Graham Middle School Vocal Ensemble

What Child Is This? is a traditional English Christmas Carol composed in the 1800s. This arrangement, commissioned by Jonathan Bautista and dedicated to Nova Vocal Ensemble, fuses the melody and lyrics of What Child is This with motives and harmonies found in Carol of the Bells, a Ukrainian carol. Each voice has a chance to sing the various motives drawn from Carol of the Bells, making this a fun choral piece that combines two beloved Christmas carols. This arrangement would fit well in any holiday-themed concert, Festival of Lessons and Carols, or sacred Christmas service. Conductor: Michael Alfera Ensemble: The L.A. Choral Lab

"The Skye Boat Song" was arranged by Amy Gordon and performed by Nova Vocal Ensemble, led by Jonathan Bautista. "The Skye Boat Song" is a Scottish folk tune telling the story of how Prince Charlie escaped after a defeat in battle by disguising himself as a server maid and sailing away on a boat to the isle of Skye.

My setting of the Lewis Carroll poem "A Boat Beneath A Sunny Sky", which ends his famous book Alice in Wonderland. The first letter of every line of the poem spells out the name Alice Pleasance Liddell, upon whom Alice in Wonderland is based and to whom Lewis Carroll was(scandalously)close. Sopranos: Ashley Stanbury, Mallory Gantner Altos: Amy Gordon, Elizabeth Matson Tenors: Aaron Clark, Nathan Bailey Basses: Luc Kleiner, Magnum C. Nadal Conductor: Shannon Gravelle-Johnson