Vocal Works
Masses
Missa Noctis
A solemn mass for SATB (divisi), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, timpani, percussion (3 players) and organ. Reduction for choir and organ also available.
A traveler wanders alone through the forest. As the encroaching shadows make traveling perilous, the journeyer makes an encampment. At midnight, an apparition of an angel appears to the traveler, who enters into a trance and begins to prophesy. After receiving the divine knowledge, the wanderer keeps a vigil until daybreak, contemplating the mystery of the angel’s visitation.
I. Kyrie ~ II. Gloria ~ III. Sanctus
IV. Benedictus ~ V. Agnus Dei
Motets
Five Devotional Motets
Five motets on various devotional texts for SATB choir and organ.
I. Ubi Caritas ~ II. O Bone Jesu ~ III. Adoro te Devote
IV. Gaude Virgo Mater Christi ~ V. Exsultate Deo
Art Songs
Walden Reflection
Short piece for SSATTB choir a cappella, poetry by Lorraine Fitzmaurice. Commission for Quorum and Vox Lucens choirs, Boston MA.
Balsa wood airplanes
Released from rubber bands
Silent in a loud park
Her hazel eyes charted the course
No wrong answers
In childhood
No destination barred (so emerald green the field)
Now your eyes mirror
The deep blue of (skies)
That afternoon (his eyes)
Of every afternoon
Then (see)
Now (saw)
He spoke
She speaks
You react
[Duration: 3m 15s]
World Premiere: Cambridge MA, Aug. 26, 2023.
A Pang is more conspicuous in Spring
Choir anthem for SSAT, piano, flute, opt. handbells. Dedicated to the Connecticut Women’s Chorale.
A Pang is more conspicuous in Spring
Poem, ca. 1881 - Emily Dickinson
A Pang is more conspicuous in Spring
In contrast with the things that sing
Not Birds entirely — but Minds —
And Winds — Minute Effulgencies
When what they sung for is undone
Who cares about a Blue Bird’s Tune
Why, Resurrection had to wait
Till they had moved a Stone —
Emily Dickinson drafted this poem on the interior of an envelope that had been addressed to her sister, Lavinia. The unusual shape of the paper underscores the drama, secrecy, and intimate nature of this late poem.
[Duration: 4m 15s] 2022.
Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 (arr.)
Composed by Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Arranged for Soprano, Viola, Cello, and Piano.
Dedication: Sophie-Nouchka Wemel
Ikaros: Five Elemental Songs
Sufi mystic poetry by Rumi for high voice, accompanied by piano, viola, and cello.
An art song cycle in which our protagonist faces a series of trials to confront aspects of the Shadow Self, represented in each of the traditional Aristotelian elements.
I. Terra (Passacaglia) - II. Aqua (Canon)
III. Ignis (Scherzo) - IV. Aer (Toccata) - V. Aether (Hymn)
Common Sacred Use
Many & Great, O God, Are Thy Works
An arrangement of the Dakota Hymn (Lacquiparle) for SAT choir, organ, and flute. Incorporates the lamenting plainsong “Picardy.”
Nunc Dimittis
SATB a capella, or Unison Chant with Organ - Latin text.
Advent
Nova! Nova! (Ave Fit ex Eva)
A medieval chant scored for SATB choir, soprano recorder, tambourine, snare drum, bass drum, and organ.
The Latin refrain contains a hidden pun. “Nova” means “news.” “Ave,” the Latin for “hail,” is “Eva” spelled backwards. “Ave fit ex Eva” translates as “Ave is made from Eva.” This expresses the medieval belief that Eve’s original sin, ‘inherited’ by womankind, was forgiven when the Archangel Gabriel greeted Mary with the news that she was to bear the Son of God.
[Duration: 2m] 2017, rev. 2022.
Veni Emmanuel
9th century Latin chant ‘Veni, veni, Emmanuel’ set for SATB choir, soloists (Alto and/or Baritone) and organ, with oboe & string quartet ad. lib.
Through various strophes of the plainsong, the exhortations of the ensemble, choir, and soloists swell in their yearning for the coming of the Christ-child. The prologue evokes the Magi atop their dromedaries, guided by the Epiphany star, making their stalwart pilgrimage to present their offertory to the infant King of Kings.
[Duration: 7m] 2016, rev. 2019.
Christmas
A Child Is Born in Bethlehem
(The Huron Carol)
The haunting Huron Carol melody coupled with the ‘Puer Natus in Bethlehem’ text in English with just a touch of Latin for SATB choir and organ.
[Duration: 4m 30s] 2017.
Of the Father’s Heart Begotten
Traditional Gregorian melody Divinum Mysterium, set in triple meter for SATB choir with accompaniment ad lib.
[Duration: 4m] 2021.
Salvator Mundi Domine
An ancient 15th macaronic carol blending traditional Latin and English text in alternation. Two-part even voices with organ accompaniment.
2018.
The Mahogany Tree Carol
A secular carol based on English luck-visit and wassailing songs, giving thanks for the comforts of life and companionship to survive through the harsh winter elements. A simple folk tune - suitable for choirs of all ages. SATB with organ; Unison or SATB with organ.
Lent & Triduum
Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us
Based on the Gregorian chant from Missa Cum Jubilo. Set for unison chant and organ, or SATB choir with organ ad. lib. 2017.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, Give Thy Holy Spirit
Antiphon: O Lord, give thy Holy Spirit unto our hearts, that we may dwell in the fear of thy name.
Verse: That we may know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
SATB antiphon, unison verse. 2017.
Psalm 69: I Am Worn Out with Crying
SATB refrain, unison verse. 2017.
Psalm 15: Lord, Who Shall Abide in
Thy Tabernacle?
SATB refrain, unison verse. 2017.
Rejoice We in God
Antiphon: Rejoice we in God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom we receive our atonement.
Verse: God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
SATB antiphon, unison verse. 2017.
Take Up Thy Cross
Antiphon: “Take up thy cross,” so sayeth the Christ, “think not ‘til thy death to lay it down.”
Verse: Whosoever will save his own life, shall lose it; whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same will save it.
SATB antiphon, unison verse. 2017.
Easter
Jesus Christ, On That Day
(Personent Hodie)
Arrangement of the 16th century melody “Personent Hodie” from Piae Cantiones, set for SATB choir & organ with a newly penned Easter text.
[Duration: 2m 45s] 2022.