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I Need Your Help Again: Programming Suggestions, Please
Posted on October 22, 2009 at 2:24 am
So it’s official: on October 24th, 2010, I’ll be conducting the premiere of a new piece for the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. The concert will be in the Barbican, a gorgeous performance space in London and permanent home to the LSO. In case you’re wondering, the excitement has already caused my head to explode. Several times.
Equally exciting is that they have asked me to conduct the rest of the concert, and this is where I need your help. Please post for me your favorite pieces from the chorus/orchestra repertoire – they can be from any time period and by composers of any nationality. I’m just brainstorming at this point, and would love to hear your suggestions.
I’ve already decided that I’ll do Vaughan Williams’ haunting An Oxford Elegy, which is scored for a smallish orchestra, chorus, and narrator. It runs about 22 minutes. My commissioned piece (which will be probably for larger orchestra and chorus, double winds and strings) will be 15-20 minutes. Not sure which text I’ll use yet.
That leaves a good 45 minutes of music to program. When posting your pieces, make sure the orchestra isn’t too big (I can’t use something massive, no triple winds for example), but really, no suggestion is too crazy. I’m just looking for ideas.
And will any of you be in London for the premiere? Should be quite a party!
112 Comments
Ian McDougal on October 21, 2009 at 8:03 pm
You could program my music! Haha…
No, but seriously, are you just looking for songs for orchestra and choir? I love Renaissance music, some of my favorite renaissance motets being "Senex puerum portabat" by Tomás Luis de Victoria and "O nata lux" by Tallis. Others are "And what is it we shall hope for" from Cundick's "The Redeemer" and anything from Lauridsen's "Les Chansons des Roses". However, these are mostly all a cappella, which is probably not helpful.
You could try something from Tan Dun's "Water Passion", maybe, or stick with something like Poulenc's Gloria. The Choral Symphony from Beethoven's ninth is always a blast, too!
Or what about "Dies Irae" from Mozart's Requiem? I love that one!
Gabe Lozada on October 21, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Um, a piece that reminds me a lot of you is "In the Year That King Uzziah Died" by Clare Mclan. It's SATB, and is absolutely beautiful.
Ben Fidler on October 21, 2009 at 8:18 pm
My absolute favorite choir/orchestra piece is Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. It features a crazy and clashing first movement, a haunting beautiful countertenor solo in the 2nd, and an absolutely gorgeous melody in the 3rd (one of the few times I've been moved to tears while singing, it's that powerful).
I performed it at the 2008 Lucerne Choral Festival in Switzerland, and I've been in love ever since.
It runs about 18 minutes and should work with the size of orchestra you're working with. It's extremely rewarding to perform on both sides of the baton. I can't recommend it enough.
Here's the wiki page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichester_Psalms
Ian McDougal on October 21, 2009 at 8:24 pm
That one's awesome, too!
C. Carruth on October 21, 2009 at 8:33 pm
What about keeping the program all English and doing the Howells "Hymnus Paradisi?" It incorporates parts of the famous "Requiem" and is a stunning piece. The work is roughly 45 minutes long and contains some solo choral passages that are very nice. It wouldn't leave room for much else with the Vaughan Williams though.
Also by Vaughan Williams that would be good: Serenade to Music (about 12 minutes). Although it was written for sixteen specific soloists, it works well with a larger choir (and provide solo opportunities for singers if desired).
John Adams' "Harmonium" would be interesting against the Vaughan Williams, and would allow for at least another shorter work with the "Oxford Elegy."
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Colin Read on October 21, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Chichester Psalms is a great piece. if you have an organ at hand Holst's Two Psalms for Chorus, String Orchestra and Organ is great and runs under 15 minutes.
Daniel Rosen on October 21, 2009 at 9:02 pm
BEETHOVEN 9! Do it! You won't! Or maybe the entire German Requiem.
Pratik on October 21, 2009 at 9:10 pm
What about Srul Irving Glick's choral symphony "The Hour Has Come"?
http://www.srulirvingglick.com, under Music/Choral…
If the whole thing is too long, Poem #6 is commonly done on its own and is quite moving.
Sam on October 21, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Perhaps the final movement of Holst's Planets suite? Neptune, the Mystic? It has a female chorus and, I believe, the first fade out effect used in music.
Troy on October 21, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Arvo Part's "In Principio" is a great work for chorus and orchestra. It's about 20 minutes…Beautiful, powerful piece.
Ben Pratt on October 21, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I would suggest Mahler Symphony No. 2, but it requires a huge orchestra, including "The largest possible contingent of strings" and a whole pile of winds. The 5th movement is where you need the chorus, and it's absolutely thrilling.
tessyeggerman on October 21, 2009 at 10:02 pm
@ Sam, I LOVE that piece and that movement in particular is haunting but beautiful in its own way. :)
To be honest I am not sure I know many choir/orchestra pieces. I'll sleep on it and get back to you. Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS! I wish I could make it…maybe… :D
Elizabeth Neilson on October 21, 2009 at 10:15 pm
It's been done, but the 1812 Overture for symphony and choir is stunning. I was fortunate enough to sing it while at college and I was moved to tears.
Ian McDougal on October 21, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Oh! What about a little Stravinsky with all or part of Symphony of Psalms?
Jeremiah Witte on October 21, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Perhaps "Carmina Burana: I. O Fortuna"? Congratulations on getting to conduct the LSO!
Zach on October 21, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Hey Eric!
I've got a suggestion for a cappella Double Choir:
"Bring Us O Lord God" by William Harris.
It's a gorgeous, English piece, and it's absolutely stunning in performance, especially with a large group in a large performance space.
I hope you consider it!
Zach on October 21, 2009 at 11:36 pm
There's also the "Lux Aeterna" by Morten Lauridsen. Stunning!
ooooooor
John Rutter's Requiem! That one's cool too.
Peter Hornby on October 21, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Might you consider yet more Vaughan Williams, in the shape of the stunning cantata "Dona Nobis Pacem"? My choir performed this as part of a concert for peace a number of years ago, and I can still hear it in my head.
TIM on October 22, 2009 at 12:36 am
You should do Ives' 4th Symphony! Show some american heritage.
Joseph Kemper on October 22, 2009 at 1:12 am
Triptych by Tarik O'Regan
Driving rhythms, English Composer, small string ensemble, AWESOME.
Edward Davis on October 22, 2009 at 3:08 am
Have you heard "Sea Drift" by Frederick Delius? It is, hands down, my FAVORITE piece of choral/orchestral music. (And trust me, I've heard a lot; I'm about as big/experienced of a choral nerd as anyone I know, haha.)
It's a setting of part of a Walt Whitman poem for orchestra, chorus, and baritone soloist. It's about 25 minutes long, and seriously, I'm a pretty big fan of Delius in general, and this, to me, is his masterpiece.
Robert on October 22, 2009 at 5:03 am
It would be very cool if you took the string orchestra setting of Barber's Adagio for strings and had the choir sing the choral setting over top of it.
Peter on October 22, 2009 at 5:07 am
The Fauré Requiem is absolutely beautiful, especially the first movement. I'd also recommend the third movement of Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass (currently unpublished). Mack Wilberg's Cindy is very striking as well.
Mike L on October 22, 2009 at 6:13 am
I'm with Zach up above…Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna"is beautiful.
Andrew Camp on October 22, 2009 at 6:42 am
Brahm's Requiem no doubt. One of the most beautiful pieces of literature of the genre.
Chris on October 22, 2009 at 7:00 am
A really good choir/orchestra piece that comes to mind is Randol Alan Bass's "Gloria." Very powerful. Also, these two are just for choir (which is probably not what you're looking for), but they're both absolutely perfect for a fall concert. "Rainsong" by Houston Bright, and "Autumn" by Joshua Shank.
Jaspa on October 22, 2009 at 7:36 am
E,
How about the Rutter Magnificat? About 40 minutes. Great stuff, fun to conduct!
Yvonne on October 22, 2009 at 8:36 am
The Szymanowski Stabat Mater is gorgeous. We did it with the Grant Park Chorus/Orchestra a couple of years ago and I fell in love with the piece. I think the orchestra size would be manageable, and there's also the choice of Latin or Polish text. Could be fun!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabat_Mater_%28Szym…
Trevor (Teo) on October 22, 2009 at 9:18 am
Ralph Vaughan Williams – Dona Nobis Pacem!!!!!!!!!! (This was the piece performed in conjunction with Argento's Raymond W. Brock commission "Cenotaph")
Brahms – Requiem (Probably not…too demanding for the voice to do on top of 40+ minutes of other music)
Fauré – Requiem
There are a lot of good symphonies that call for choir at some point.
Trevor (Teo) on October 22, 2009 at 9:18 am
Also, maybe Equus for Orchestra ;-)
Sasha on October 22, 2009 at 9:29 am
perhaps Gloria by Rutter, its a pretty good piece to sing with orchestra
John W. on October 22, 2009 at 10:07 am
A few ideas, some repetitions from above:
*Chichester Psalms, Bernstein, absolutely fabulous, about 18 minutes
*Requiem, Faure, gorgeous, about 45 minutes
*Requiem, Durufle, very serene and chant-like, about 35 minutes
*Gloria, Poulenc, pure joy, about 25 minutes
*Belshazzar's Feast, Walton, about 36 minutes
*Sacred Service, Bloch, very reverential, at about 50 minutes it's probably too long
Of course, if you really wanted to take a huge leap….John Adams On the Transmigration of Souls is stunning, only 20 minutes, and would really make an impact. Of course it does also require children's chorus and prerecorded tape.
Whatever you program will be terrific I am sure.
Austin on October 22, 2009 at 10:39 am
"Use the force, Luke." Prokofiev or Bizet.
Brady W. on October 22, 2009 at 10:41 am
Hey Eric!
Expanding on the thought of performing Vaughn Williams, another great piece of his would be "Beat! Beat! Drums!" from his "Dona Nobis Pacem". This is such an incredible piece. Driving rhythms and the text is absolutely incredible, as it refers to the struggle in the U.K. during WWII.
Another great piece, although a bit more modern, would be Tarik O'Regan's "The Ecstacies Above". It's scored for strings and chorus.
Best to you in this big decision….And CONGRATS!!! I would be on the verge of implosion if I had this opportunity! =D
Trevor S. on October 22, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Hi there,
Have you considered anything by Rachmaninov? His dark sounding symphonic pieces are gorgeous. Congrats!
Trevor S. on October 22, 2009 at 12:08 pm
sorry man, typo in the last post. The composer's name is Sergei Rachmaninoff.
guthrie on October 22, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Gerald Finzi's "Magnificat"!! it runs about 12 minutes and is a real show stopper. a great piece for this type of choir.
Brandon on October 22, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Anything by Vaughan-Williams is a good call with this being a British orchestra. The fact that he was a less serious, yet important English composer shows a respect for their traditions.
I'd stay away from the super-old warhorses (Beethoven 9, any major work by Mozart, etc.) as those European art-house critics will be all up in your grill about being American and "lacking the ability to produce a 'proper interpretation' of these works" (as they would say). You don't need their crap.
Since your commission represents the American "cutting edge" in composing that they're looking for from you, you should also program something that's part of the American tradition (y'know something from the 19th or early-mid 20th century by Barber or Copland or Bernstein etc.). Nothing immediately comes to mind but it would be a good way to narrow down these suggestions.
Michael on October 22, 2009 at 2:28 pm
I might be there for the concert :) Maybe there'll be an entire National Youth Choir contingent!
Programming wise, you probably want a complete work to "ground" the whole thing….but not something done too often, such as Mozart Requiem. Maybe Mendelssohn Symphony No. 2 "Lobgesang"? It's fantastic and scored for about the right size forces you have there.
Elliott on October 22, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Call me crazy, but perhaps you could score some of your chorus works for orchestra and chorus? Eh?
Chris on October 22, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Gabriel FUARE'S "Cantique de Jean Racine" always moves me in such a way that words can't express. It's divine. Here's a recording by the Cambridge Singers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKwHiGg21KA&fe…
Delicious.
Brett on October 22, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I vote the Elijah oratorio by the ever-entertaining mendelssohn. I agree with whomever said copeland, anything copeland would be fantastic if there are pieces for orchestra and choir, not that I can think of any at the moment.
Andy J on October 22, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Fauré Requiem (45 minutes approx.)
Toward the Unknown Region – Ralph Vaughan Williams (12 minutes approx.)
Paige on October 22, 2009 at 3:22 pm
"The Bells, op.35" by Rachmaninov is beautiful, I adore it (love hearing Russian being sung). It's for chorus, features soprano, tenor, and baritone solo, and orchestra. As I recall, at least the concert I saw, the orchestra was not huge.
cristian on October 22, 2009 at 3:46 pm
There are a few pieces that come to mind when I think of choral/orchestral pieces.
First, considering you will be conducting an english audience, i definitely agree with some previous posts that a vaughn-williams piece should be done, like dona nobis pacem. Gerald Finzi's For St. Cecilia, Op. 30 is another excellent piece to do, with its distinctly english sound.
Faure's or Durufle's Requiem are gorgeous and beautiful, and I think those would be excellent classics to conduct
I also think that you should give the audience a taste of some contemporary American composition. As mentioned before, I think Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna is definitely a MUST, and only runs about 20 mins or so.
And why not conduct a piece from your mentor John Corigliano? I had the privilege of singing Fern Hill in college. That would be an excellent piece to conduct.
Juris on October 22, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I'd say, something fresh and astonishing, like the style of your own works.
My new findings are East Europe-ish, first, an amazing bulgarian composer Dobrinka Tabakova (check http://www.dobrinka.com for works) and one from Latvia, Eriks Esenvalds (http://www.musicabaltica.com/en/autori/2524/works/?genre=43).
Hope it helps! ;)
Joshua Harper on October 22, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Two suggestions that seem to have yet been said would be Samuel Barber's "prayers of Kierkegaard" or Rachmoninoff's "The Bells". Both excellent Choral/Orchestral pieces
Eli Salazar on October 22, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I love Vaughn Williams "Serenade To Music"! has some solos but you can choose some lucky chorusters to sing them! :-) and i love the suggestion of Bernstein's Chichester Psalms or even Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms. If you have percussion and a bass guitar you can quickly hook-up – Fanshawe's African Sanctus is a sure crowd pleaser!
Sam on October 22, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Oh! Oh! What about "Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen" by Brahms? That has a beautiful orchestral accompaniment. Or any of the movements from the German Requiem. But "Wie lieblich" is my favorite.
Kevin on October 22, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I second Faure's "Cantique.." and would suggest Lauridsen's "Mid-Winter Songs."
Ben on October 22, 2009 at 7:02 pm
My suggestions are:
For an orchestra and chorus piece, On the Last Frontier by Rautavaara.
For only the orchestra, Run by Michael Torke.
Good luck!
Patrick on October 23, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Hi Eric,
I think what you're really looking for are some smaller works that won't take too much effort (or program advertising space) away from your premiere, so I would definitely advocate for some smaller works like Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna or something by Part. The Glick suggestion was great as well.
As well, you should check out canadian composer Imant Raminsh's Magnificat. It's a stunning work (about 20mins) that fits well with your aesthetic. There's a clip on http://www.musiccentre.ca/influences/composer.cfm…
Finally, this is a real must program. The extant fragments of Mendelssohn's Christe (particularly the chorus number There Shall a Star from Jacob Shine Forth) It's short because he never finished the oratorio, but the music is stunning. and if you do it, think you could have the choir sing it in German? it sounds so much better!!
Best!
tessyeggerman on October 23, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I was actually going to mention combining Barber's Adagio for Strings and Agnus Dei together – that would be very neat (and very beautiful!). I agree that Faure's Requiem would be wonderful as well – OR you can go back to your musical roots and do Mozart's Requiem. ;) You could also combine your choir works with the orchestra transcriptions (I am not sure if that'll work or help…just a thought). You could also try finding film music that have both choir and orchestra together (maybe something by Hans Zimmer…?). Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna" is also a great choice that's been mentioned….
I'll keep on thinking/looking. Good luck! And congrats again.
tessyeggerman on October 23, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Oh! How about Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana".
tessyeggerman on October 23, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Ooops…I see that was already mentioned…lol. Still, you should consider it. :)
Allie Berryman on October 23, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I'm seconding people who suggest the Faure Requiem. That piece is especially beautiful. I also loved doing Copland's Old American Songs. I think they are a fun mix of gorgeous, rousing and funny. Just what a European audience needs, eh?
Joseph on October 23, 2009 at 6:27 pm
How about some Asian influence with Arirang?
Trevor M on October 23, 2009 at 7:15 pm
1. Arvo Part – Credo
2. Phillip Glass – Itaipu
3. Leonard Bernstein – Symphony No. 3 Kaddish
4. Maurice Ravel – Daphnis et Chloe
5. Osvaldo Golijov – Oceana
6. Antonin Dvorak – Te Deum
7. Frederick Delius – Apalachia
8. William Walton – Coronation Te Deum
Matt on October 23, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Two words:
Belshazzar's Feast.
It's by William Walton (English) for double choir and orchestra, and just might be what you're looking for. It's a thrilling piece that's really rewarding to perform and conduct. That's my two cents.
Matt
Joel on October 23, 2009 at 9:50 pm
What about something from Hindemith's 'When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd: A Requiem for those we love'?
Or Flos Campi by Vaughan Williams
Or Fern Hill by Corigliano…
Wait no, I have it
Hanson's "Song of Democracy"!!!
Those are all masterworks and huge (esp the Hanson)
Curtis Rice on October 23, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Found something tonight I thought was beautiful. In fact, when I first heard it I thought it sounded like something you would have written… "Earth Song" by Frank Techeli. Short, but gorgeous.
Kristopher on October 23, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms.
Faure: Requiem.
John Adams (On The Transmigration Of Souls) * So difficult !!!*
Brian Denton on October 24, 2009 at 7:00 am
How about Felix Mendelssohn's "Die Erste Walpurgisnacht"? Kinda goes alont with a haunting theme.
Rob Teehan on October 24, 2009 at 12:49 pm
What about some new arrangements of pop tunes…Beatles songs, radiohead, coldplay, whatever? I can think of a few that would be stunning as choral + string orchestra versions. Might be tough to get the licensing, of course, but I think it would be something really exciting and 'out of the box', which would be a nice complement to your premiere.
Michael on October 24, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Do NOT do anything popular as suggested by the previous poster. You will create a reputation in England as "that American composer with crazy hair who doesn't really understand classical music".
For the same reason, don't do Mozart or Fauré Requiem. Done much too often, everyone's heard about twenty million different interpretations. Not much left there.
Jan Cosgrove [mr] on October 24, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Holst – Hymn of Jesus or even his Choral Fantasia if they have a decent enough organ as well (Gustav was close mate of RVW
Stanford Songs of the Sea needs baritone soloist as well but what a piece of fun and what a way to end part 1 or even part 2
Handel one of the 4 Coronation Anthems of course
Joshua on October 24, 2009 at 7:45 pm
There is ALWAYS something left in those "great" pieces by Mozart and Faure, Michael.
Chantel on October 24, 2009 at 8:14 pm
If you are already doing a VW selection, you should go with something American. I loved singing the Chinchester Psalms. Just trying to think of something that will complement and contrast with your style of writing…
If you are looking to program a part just for the orchestra, William Grant Still's Symphony 1 (Afro-American) is awesomely inspired by african american jazz and folk sounds – it even has a banjo. It runs about 25 minutes and is way under performed compared to Rhapsody in Blue and the like.
Logan on October 24, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Herbert Howells' Requiem!
Frank Martin's Mass!
Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms!
Trevor (Teo) on October 24, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Wow, this was supposed to help you Eric, it seems now you'll have too many great ideas to work with ;-) .
Someone mentioned William Walton's "Coronation Te Deum". I was fortunate enough to perform that, and it is an absolutely fantastic piece. Everything else I've heard by Walton scored for Chorus and Orchestra is really solid…I'd recommend doing some more research into his stuff, as he is a British composer.
Obviously this is just a personal opinion, but I get the sense that with what you already have slotted, staying out of the rest of Europe and keeping with a British/American theme would lend itself to the more consistent overall program. But I doubt anybody would be offended if you did choose to program "Ein Deutsches Requiem".
Since "An Oxford Elegy" has a narrator, you might consider Copland's "Lincoln Portrait". Also You could potentially get Hila involved with Barber's "Knoxville Summer of 1915"…Though I'm not familiar enough with her voice or the piece to know if it would be a good fit for her. Or, hell, she won a grammy with "Mr. Tambourine Man"…stick with what works!
Becky S. on October 25, 2009 at 3:00 pm
This is a completely bizarre idea… But seeing as you're in England what if you bowed to the English choral tradition and did movements out of varying choral works and pieced them together with your own transitions as a tribute to the large works for Choir and Orchestra that rose out of one nation? You could have a blast going through any and all the big'uns and pick your very favorites of the lot then blend them together into some massive homage to the English scene. You know, Renaissance and move forward… Or heck, start in the present with your piece and move backwards into the Dark Ages! :) Like I said, just some crazy idea. There's just so much good literature out there from every tradition, but you know what you've written, and you know the other work you're conducting which is already British in origin so the makings of this are already there. I know… It's insane.
nelson on October 25, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I once heard an arrangement of "Irish Tune from County Derry" for a string/winds group that was absolutely gorgeous.
Michael Bennett on October 25, 2009 at 9:05 pm
These are longer works, but…
Rutter's "Mass of the Children"
Durufle's Requiem OR Mass (I've heard orchestrated versions…)
Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna
You might throw in a couple of Carmina Burana movements, but I suppose the Orff orchestrations are too large!
Nicholas Cardenas on October 26, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Here's a crazy idea: Led Zeppelin.
But seriously: Daphnis et Chloe Suite No. 2-Maurice Ravel
Vanguard used it back in '07 and it was stunning. To hear it with a Whitacre touch would be amazing.
Lincoln Portrait-Fellow Citizens We Cannot Escape History…-Aaron Copland.
Should work with what you have, has a narrator part.
Andrew Vargas on October 26, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Do a Sarah Hopkins piece…. Like Past Life Melodies…
She is AWESOME with harmonics!
Tim Krause on October 26, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Litanies a la Vierge Noire by Poulenc. I've heard it with piano a couple times, but with orchestra only once and it brought me to tears.
Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten by Arvo Pärt
Lee on October 27, 2009 at 7:28 am
I echo a few of the other suggestions…
Belshazzar’s Feast would be perfect for this occasion. It fits in style, length, and difficulty.
Samuel Hunter on October 28, 2009 at 2:18 am
If you're looking for a concert opener, perhaps a piece just for the orchestra might be nice, or even something for just strings. Maybe Water Night or Sleep, or there's a piece by Aaron Jay Kernis called Musica Celestis for string orchestra that's a spectacular piece and might make a good opener.
In the chorus vein, I have to echo Joseph: there's a stunning piece by Tarik O'Regan titled "Triptych" that is for String Orchestra and chorus that might be a great foil to the Vaughan Williams. It's about 18 minutes long, but really packs an emotional punch with the text. And, the first movement (5 minutes) could easily be performed by itself.
http://www.chesternovello.com/Default.aspx?TabId=…
Also a great piece is O'Regan's "The Ecstasies Above", which just calls for a string quartet with chorus. To me, the string writing in this piece is incredibly effective, even more so than Triptych, and the poem (by Edgar Allen Poe) is fascinating. But because it is for quartet, it might not be appropriate for the setting.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Israfel http://www.chesternovello.com/default.aspx?TabId=…
If it were me, I'd do a short 5-10 minute opener, orchestral or with chorus, and a longer orchestral/choral work. I like the above ideas for an American-British theme. The Barber "Prayers of Kirkegaard," Bernstein "Chichester Psalms" or the Stravinsky "Symphony of Psalms" would all be great but super-hard.
All best with the concert!
G.Bruce on October 28, 2009 at 10:01 am
I would personally suggest Norman Dello Joio's "To Saint Cecilia". Very diverse in each of its "sections" and haunting at points leading to this grand triumphant ending (For mixed chorus and brass). I would also suggest some Finzi since this is London. And, as already mentioned, "Lux Aterna" by Lauridsen would be amazing or if you are looking for something a capella do the "Les Chansons des Roses"
Guido on October 28, 2009 at 10:29 am
Barber's Prayer's of Kierkegaard.
One of his greatest masterpieces, and one of his least heard scores.
Vaughan on October 29, 2009 at 5:43 pm
OOOOOH!!!! May I suggest Magnificat by Arvo Part? I haven't been able to see if it has be posted here yet but I thought I'd put it out there anyway.
It's SATB, a capella, in Latin, about 7 minutes long.
Vaughan on October 29, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Oh and for the orcestra, maybe Fratres by Arvo? It's about 10 or 11 minutes and I think there's a few arrangements with diffrent instrumentation. The one I heard (and loved) had a violin soloist. I think it was only strings but I'm not sure.
C. Lawrence Nielsen on October 31, 2009 at 2:16 am
If you want English music, here are some recommendation by composers:
Holst: Hymn of Jesus, Two Psalms (both previously mentioned), or perhaps some of the Hymns from the Rig Veda would be appropriate. "Battle Hymn" (first group), "Hymn to Soma" (fourth), "To Agni" (second), are a few of my favourites. The only problem with them is that only the first group is for a mixed chorus.
Ralph Vaughan Williams: O Clap Your Hands, Three Shakespeare Songs (again, A'Cappella, but amazing).
Benjamin Britten has a lot of good stuff, I'm just not sure what to recommend for this particular situation. John Rutter's "O Clap Your Hands" or "The Lord is My Shepherd" are both great pieces. Perhaps you could even look at some Gilbert and Sullivan operetta choruses-I've sung an arrangement of the "Dance a Cachuca, Fandango, Bolero" chorus from Gondoliers before that was a lot of fun.
Outside of British music, Randal Thompson is great (Frostiana, "Last Words of David"). There's the Mack Wilberg Requiem to consider as well as his Tres Cantus Laudentes. Z. Randall Stroope's arrangement of "Homeland" is great, thought I'm not sure on what orchestrations there are for it.
Poulenc's Gloria was mentioned, but I recommend it as well, supposing it has an appropriate-sized orchestra. Fauré's Pavane, op. 50 is great as well. If you want to look at some Mozart that isn't as well known, there's an Alleluja (Kv 553) that's fun, albeit A'Cappella.
Hopefully some of that will help.
JD on October 31, 2009 at 10:42 pm
“Ioann Damaskin,” op. 1 (or in English “St. John of Damascus”) by Sergei Taneyev. Perhaps a lesser known work, but truly beautiful contrapuntal writing. Brilliant Russian music.
Daniel on November 1, 2009 at 1:41 am
Hi Mr Whitacre,
theres a piece by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks, Dona Nobis Pacem for Mixed Choir and String orchestra (and/or organ) , its a stupendously powerful piece to me. Just my 2cents worth. rock on!
Daniel
Sunny Island Singapore
Stephen on November 3, 2009 at 2:54 am
The Twelve by William Walton. What a piece.
Ashe on November 3, 2009 at 10:20 am
Have to suggest Imant Raminsh's "In the night we shall go in" with text by Pablo Neruda. Heard it on the radio a while back and fell in love. It appears there is a version scored for orchestra.
Mark on November 3, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Have you considered Debussy Nocturnes at all? Gorgeous piece. The trouble would be that only 1 movement out of 3 uses chorus, and it's only the women of the chorus.
Just a thought though… good luck and congrats – what an exciting opportunity!
Andrew B on November 4, 2009 at 12:32 am
Eric,
Have you thought about any Mozart? His "Lacrymosa" from the Requiem is absolutely gorgeous and would work beautifully at the concert. That piece is also not necessarily far off from your own style, harmonically.
Andrew B on November 4, 2009 at 12:35 am
Also, I recently had the experience of performing Morten Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna" with a 14-person pro chamber choir and organ, and the entire time, I kept think to myself that the piece screams for a huge choir and full orchestra. It's one of the most moving works I've ever sung, along with R. Vaughan Williams' "Serenade to Music" and your own work.
Daniel on November 4, 2009 at 12:35 pm
i would go for bernsteins, "Chichester Psalms". absolutely fantastic fast and furious first movement. a beautiful male soprano solo in the second movement. and a third movement that warms from the inside out.
Freddie Lomas on November 5, 2009 at 6:21 am
Hi Eric,
Love the music! Will definately be coming to see this concert.
I have wracked my brains and could suggest many, however, how about 'Chairman Dances' – John Adams. I saw Charles Hazlewood conduct this with (the relatively small) BBC Concert orchestra a few years ago and it worked so well. He sandwiched it between Beethovens 3rd and Mozart Clarinet Concerto (Martin Frost). Incredible programming.
Anyway good luck. I will be conducting 'Sleep' with my band very soon. Freddie
Nancy on November 5, 2009 at 10:14 pm
One of my long-standing favorites is Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings". This piece oozes passion when performed well and I've always wondered if it could somehow be adapted for a choir.
Best of luck and thanks for sharing your talent with the world!
Melanie on November 5, 2009 at 11:23 pm
+1 on the Chichester Psalms. We performed it here at CSU last year and it was absolutely awesome! I would recommend it for sure!
Tristan on November 6, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Eric,
If you want another piece to keep the program all English one of my favorite cantatas is Done Nobis Pacem Ralph Vaughan Williams. A great piece and it only requires a basic orchestra and chorus.
Michael on November 6, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Nancy, it already has been adapted. It's called Agnus Dei,
Lane on November 8, 2009 at 11:15 pm
MR. WHITACRE!!! I truly doubt you'll even see this comment, but I've always wondered about "Sleep"! I haven't read the other comments so they might have already suggested it, (or oppose to it), but I think it would be an outstanding piece for orchestra/choir/band/strings(especially) in the conert! You may totally think otherwise, but just an idea :P
Thanks!
//Lane//
Lane on November 8, 2009 at 11:16 pm
To anyone who would help a fellow musician
Hey all, I enjoy Mr. Whitacres music, and was simply wondering if there was a way to contact Mr. Whitacre (Besides Facebook :P) Email perhaps?
SJ on November 9, 2009 at 7:43 am
If you're looking for British pieces, how about Karl Jenkins (Armed Man or Requiem probably the first to spring to mind) or Nyman's Out of the Ruins if the orchestra want a tea break. And have John Tavener or Tallis been mentioned yet?
Alternatively, why not your own When David Heard. I heard it for the first time last Saturday, courtesy of the Bristol Bach Choir, and thought it a truly amazing piece.
Janet Lanier on November 9, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I don't claim to be another Bernstein or Vaughn Williams but I have an 18 minute piece called "Valley of Silence" that I wrote for the Amarillo Master Chorale and small orchestra back in 2006. The text was from Abram J. Ryan's "Song of the Mystic". I love the work you're doing Eric and this is a huge deal so I know you'll probably go with a big name composer but I also notice that you take chances on new ideas so that's why I'm taking a chance to make this comment. If you're curious, let me know and I'll send a score/CD to you.
Janet W on November 10, 2009 at 4:51 am
How about Britten's "Rejoice in the Lamb"?
Michael on November 10, 2009 at 10:35 am
Do NOT do any Karl Jenkins. Because a) he's actually Welsh and b) he's almost universally hated by serious British musicians.
I like him though
Em on November 12, 2009 at 6:22 am
How about Elgar's Music makers? Great stuff
Rients on November 12, 2009 at 7:47 am
What about Takemitsu, My way of life?
And I second: Walton, The Twelve and Barber, Prayers of Kierkegaard (or maybe The Lovers, also beautiful)
P on November 14, 2009 at 8:47 pm
This piece is for choir only, but it's really beautiful:
Gustav Holst – The Evening Watch
Daniel on November 19, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I like all of Duruflé's Requiem. Any part of that, or even the whole thing would be great.
Jess on November 29, 2009 at 5:46 am
Hey!!
To start with – you are extremely lucky to get to perform/conduct in the Barbican – I'm in the BBC Symphony Chorus and I did my FIRST concert with them last week – and it was in the Barbican Hall – INCREDIBLE acoustic, the most amazing atmosphere EVER!
Having said all that, I've noticed that some people have mentioned bits from Mozart's Requiem and the Brahms Req as well. It was Mozart's Req that we performed there last week, and we are performing Brahms Req in the Barbican Spring 2010 so twice in a year might be a bit weird, but who knows.
There's loads of amazing music you could do; what about some Early/Renaissance a capella vocal music? We started off last week's Barbican concert with a Josquin vocal piece (followed by Boulez, followed by Mozart!) which just goes to show you can totally mix things up! OR – if you're doing Vaughn-Williams anyway – why not throw in the Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis? That's an AMAZING work!!
Well, just suggestions but you'll think of something, you're so talented!
Good luck, and I'll most definitely be at the concert as London is my hometown and The Barbican a regular concert venue of mine!!! :)
Kristen on November 29, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I’d like to hear some fresh interpretations of Bach or Brahms. I’ve always wondered what the great choral pieces would sound like without 200 soloistic warbling vibratos. I mean, that kind of singing is great, but I wonder what it would sound like with a lighter, more youthful purity and the nuance of today’s choral music. Imagine our 21st century musical knowledge applied to even earlier pieces (think Palestrina), wouldn’t it be fun to break a few performance “rules” and try something classic a new way?
Zoe on December 17, 2009 at 12:17 am
Bogoroditse Devo?
Sam Flippin on December 23, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Vaughan Williams “Serenade to Music”
Jeff Watson on January 27, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Eric,
I think you have some good suggestions on here. I personally like the Durufle Requiem, though perhaps a little longer than you might like. I also liked the other suggestion of Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, but have you thought about Britten's Te Deum? It is full of energy and passion. Interesting to conduct with the orchestra and the choir in polymeter for most of the piece.
Too bad you can't get away with an a cappella piece. Clausen's Ubi Caritas is glorious.
Good Luck.
linda hurst on June 28, 2011 at 9:18 am
“O Magnum Mysterium” by tomas luis de victoria