Rejoice! A Celebration of Christmas
When: Sunday, Dec 8, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Where: Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas
Who: San Gabriel Chorale with Instrumentalists, Conducted by Dr. Bruce Cain
Organ by Dr. David Polley
Tickets: $25 adults, Students Free under 18 or with Southwestern University ID
A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28, is one of Britten's most beloved and frequently performed works, especially during the Christmas season. Composed in 1942 during Britten's return voyage across the Atlantic from the United States to England, the piece is a setting of eleven Middle English and Latin texts. It is originally written for treble voices (our rendition is for mixed voices) and harp, a somewhat unusual but highly effective instrumentation that contributes to the unique texture and atmosphere of the work.
The work is divided into several movements, each reflecting different aspects of the Christmas story, from the birth of Christ to the rejoicing of the angels.
A Ceremony of Carols is notable for its blend of medieval and modern elements. Britten's use of modal harmonies, plainchant, and dance-like rhythms evokes the music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, while his innovative use of texture and timbre, especially in the interaction between the voices and harp, gives the work a distinctly modern feel. The piece is both joyous and reflective, capturing the multifaceted nature of the Christmas season.
Britten's sensitivity to text setting is evident throughout the work, with the music closely following the rhythms and contours of the language. This ensures that the meaning and emotional impact of the texts are clearly conveyed, making A Ceremony of Carols not only a musical delight but also a deeply moving experience.
A Ceremony of Carols stands as a testament to Benjamin Britten's genius in creating music that is both innovative and accessible. Its combination of ancient texts, simple yet profound musical ideas, and a unique instrumentation has secured its place as a cornerstone of choral music, particularly during the Christmas season. Britten's ability to draw on tradition while forging a distinctly personal style is one of the many reasons he remains a towering figure in the history of music.
Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham
Daniel Pinkham was a prolific composer, producing a wide range of works including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and over 250 choral pieces. His style is characterized by clarity, lyrical expressiveness, and a deep understanding of the capabilities of voices and instruments. Pinkham's music often blends traditional forms with contemporary techniques, resulting in compositions that are both accessible and innovative.
Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, composed in 1957, is one of his most well-known works. It is a vibrant and joyful choral piece that has become a staple of the Christmas repertoire, particularly in the United States. The cantata is scored for a mixed chorus, brass choir (two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba), and organ, which together create a rich and festive sound well-suited to the celebratory nature of the Christmas season.
The Christmas Cantata is structured in three movements, each reflecting different aspects of the Christmas story and the spirit of the season:
Pinkham's Christmas Cantata is marked by its effective use of contrast between the movements, with the dynamic opening and closing movements bookending a more meditative central movement. The work showcases Pinkham’s skill in writing for brass and organ, instruments that lend themselves naturally to the festive and sacred atmosphere of the piece.
The piece is relatively short, making it accessible for both performers and audiences, yet it captures a wide range of emotions associated with the Christmas season—joy, reverence, and celebration. Its concise nature and vibrant character have made it a popular choice for Christmas concerts and services.
O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen
Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943) is an American composer renowned for his choral works, which have become staples in the repertoire of choirs around the world. Lauridsen has been recognized as one of America’s most frequently performed choral composers, known for his ability to blend lyrical melodies with rich harmonies.
O Magnum Mysterium
O Magnum Mysterium, composed in 1994, is one of Morten Lauridsen’s most revered and frequently performed choral works. This piece is a setting of a responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas, traditionally associated with the mystery and wonder of the Nativity. The text, which dates back to the medieval period, reflects on the awe-inspiring nature of Christ’s birth, particularly the idea that animals were present at the manger, witnessing the divine event.
O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen has become a modern choral classic, beloved for its beauty and emotional impact. Its serene and reflective character makes it particularly suited for the Christmas season, though its appeal extends beyond any specific time of year. Lauridsen’s ability to craft music that speaks directly to the human experience of the divine is evident in this work, which continues to move audiences and performers alike with its profound simplicity and spiritual depth.
Spring Concert
When: Sunday, May 4, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Where: Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas
Who: San Gabriel Chorale with Instrumentalists, Conducted by Dr. Bruce Cain
Organ by Dr. David Polley
Tickets: $25 adults (available after the Rejoice concert), Students Free under 18 or with Southwestern University ID
Michael Palmieri with Tango Banda - Nisi Dominus
Michael Palmieri is a pianist and composer renowned for his versatility and daring interpretations. With a background spanning classical, jazz, and Latin music, Palmieri is celebrated for his ability to cross genres and create unique, engaging musical experiences. His ensemble, Tango Banda, is made up of skilled musicians who share his passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional music, blending diverse influences to create something truly original.
Nisi Dominus, Latin for “Unless the Lord,” is derived from Psalm 127, a sacred text reflecting on themes of divine guidance and human purpose. The psalm has been set to music by numerous composers, with Antonio Vivaldi’s Nisi Dominus often cited as one of the most stirring versions in the Baroque repertoire. Traditionally performed as a solemn choral work, Vivaldi’s composition is rich in both emotional intensity and reverent contemplation.
Michael Palmieri and Tango Banda’s Nisi Dominus explores the tension between the piece's original religious devotion and the impassioned, worldly undertones of tango. This fusion captures both the grandeur of Baroque music and the fierce, emotive spirit of the Argentine tango, inviting the listener to experience the sacred and the passionate in a new and transformative way.
Ola Gjeilo’s Dark & Luminous Night
Ola Gjeilo is a Norwegian composer and pianist known for his evocative, atmospheric compositions that blend classical choral traditions with lush, cinematic textures. Born in 1978, Gjeilo began studying music at an early age and has gone on to study at the Juilliard School. His compositions, often inspired by natural landscapes and profound spiritual themes, have captivated audiences worldwide. Tonight’s feature, Dark & Luminous Night, draws upon text by St. John of the Cross and poet Charles Anthony Silvestri, weaving words and melody into an experience that speaks to the soul.
About the Piece: Dark & Luminous Night
Dark & Luminous Night combines elements from two of Gjeilo’s acclaimed works: Dark Night of the Soul and Luminous Night of the Soul. Scored for mixed choir, string quartet, and piano, the piece embodies contrasts – light and shadow, hope and longing, quiet reflection and soaring passion. Inspired by the writings of the Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross, the music reflects on a spiritual journey through darkness into a brighter, transcendent peace. The warm, sweeping harmonies and lyrical melodies make this piece both an introspective and an uplifting experience.
Clara Schumann - Three A Cappella Songs: - Abenfeier in Venedig, Vorwärts, and Gondoliera
A stunning set of three a cappella songs by Clara Schumann, one of the most celebrated musicians and composers of the Romantic era. Known primarily as a virtuosic pianist and the wife of composer Robert Schumann.
Clara was a formidable composer in her own right, praised for her sensitivity, depth, and expressive style. These a cappella pieces—Abenfeier in Venedig(Evening Celebration in Venice), Vorwärts(Forward), and Gondoliera(Gondolier’s Song)—demonstrate her gift for vocal writing and her ability to evoke intense emotions and vivid imagery through melody and harmony alone.
Carlos Chávez - Arbilucu, te sequeste
Today’s program features Arbilucu, te sequeste, by Carlos Chávez, one of Mexico’s most influential 20th-century composers. Chávez, renowned for his exploration of indigenous Mexican music within a modern classical framework, sought to preserve and elevate the rich musical traditions of his country, blending them with contemporary harmonic and rhythmic techniques.
Arbilucu, te sequeste is a vibrant and compelling piece that draws from indigenous Mexican musical themes and rhythms. Chávez often used native instruments and folk elements in his compositions, and in this work, he brings to life the voice and spirit of ancient Mexican cultures.
Joaquín Nin-Culmell - Three Traditional Cuban Songs
Joaquin Nin-Culmell, the younger brother of writer Anais Nin, was a Cuban composer, who was a key figure in bringing Cuban music to the world stage, bridging the traditional and classical realms. His work reflects a deep respect for folk traditions and a keen understanding of how, when thoughtfully adapted, can resonate with audiences everywhere. Nin-Culmell gives voice to his homeland’s rich musical history, preserving its spirit and sharing its beauty with the world.
In Three Traditional Cuban Songs, Nin-Culmell brings the spirit of Cuba to the concert hall, capturing the soulful melodies and rhythmic vitality of Cuban folk music. Each song is a unique vignette, painting a picture of Cuban life with sincerity, warmth, and rhythmic flair. Nin-Culmell’s expert use of harmonization and rhythm allows these songs to maintain their folk roots while taking on a refined, classical character.
Heitor Villa-Lobos Magnificat-Alleluia
Tonight’s program features Magnificat-Alleluia by Heitor Villa-Lobos, one of Brazil’s most renowned composers and a master at weaving the vibrant sounds of his native country into classical music. Written for choir and showcasing Villa-Lobos’s characteristic flair for harmonization and rhythmic vitality, this piece is a powerful expression of joy and reverence.
Villa-Lobos’s Magnificat-Alleluia draws from the traditional Christian texts of praise: the Magnificat, a hymn of Mary that expresses gratitude and awe, and Alleluia, a proclamation of joy. Villa-Lobos elevates these sacred words with his unique compositional style, which combines classical formality with the lively spirit of Brazilian folk music. The result is a work that is both uplifting and deeply spiritual, carrying a sense of joyous exultation and worship.
Villa-Lobos brings to life the text of the Magnificat through lush harmonies and expressive phrasing, allowing each voice in the choir to resonate with beauty and warmth. The Alleluia section that follows is jubilant and rhythmic, capturing the listener’s attention with its energy and dynamic contrasts. Through these movements, Villa-Lobos presents an emotional journey from quiet reflection to exuberant celebration.
