Wessobrunn PrayerWessobrunn Prayer is a medieval poem about the creation story. This setting of the historic text is founded on chant but also branches out into modern harmonies, creating an innovative piece while capturing the essence of the choral tradition of old. Simultaneously archaic and contemporary, it maintains a certain quality of timelessness. Examples of imagery include the rocking waves of the “sea” mirrored by the chordal movement hovering around E minor, and the tenor drone which imitates the void before creation. This builds to the climax of the piece, which pays tribute to the awesome power of God, and also the child-like wonder people experience when trying to comprehend all that he is.
Upon reading the Wessobrunner Gebet for the first time, I knew instantly that I could make some incredible music with it. But little did I know that something I wrote in only two weeks time would go on to win first prize in an international competition! The 2016 Carl Orff Competition received over one hundred entries from around the globe, and only ten composers had the privilege of traveling to Munich, Germany to hear their choral settings of the old German prayer performed. A combination of jury and online/audience voting determined the finalists, and then the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. |
-Visit the contest website here-
This I learnt among mortal men as the greatest wonder, That there was neither the earth nor the heaven above, Nor was there any tree nor mountain, Neither any star at all, nor did the sun shine, Nor the moon gleam, nor was there the glorious sea. When there was nothing, no ending and no limits, There was the One Almighty God, Of all beings the greatest in grace, and many glorious spirits with him. The Holy God. |
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2018 Chorus Austin Young Composer Competition Winner:
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Set Me as a Seal (2017) SATB a cappella, 4'30"
Commissioned by the Maryland State Boychoir, premiered at their 2018 Spring Concert, then performed by Chorus Austin the following month. Dedicated to the memory of fellow choir member, Maxwell Landbeck. |
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Anthem for Uncertain Times (2017) SATB & Piano, 7' (unperformed)
This text comes from a devotional book president Lincoln owned called The Believer's Daily Treasure. Trust me, no matter your religious stance, the underlying message is universal. It was particularly striking to me last fall when I began composing in the midst of hurricanes, NFL protests, cases of Hollywood sexual abuse, and a political climate as polarized as ever. In spite of the pain, division, distrust, and hate we may experience today, we cannot be disheartened when we struggle to see through the storm. In our darkest moments, we must remember that every tomorrow is a new day. I believe in the true spirit of the American People: the strength that comes when we choose to set aside our differences and fight for what we believe in, together as one. When we have faith in each other, the state of our union will grow stronger. Lincoln knew all too well the challenges of uniting a nation divided against itself, and sadly he paid the ultimate price for his efforts. In the end, no matter what each of us puts our trust in, we must all have the courage and conviction to continue fighting for all that is right and good in the world. |
Oh let my trembling soul be still,
While darkness veils this mortal eye, And wait thy wise, thy holy will Wrapp'd yet in tears and mystery: I cannot, Lord, thy purpose see, Yet all is well - I trust in thee. |
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A Christmas Carol (2017) TTBB a cappella, 3'30"
Premiered by Quorus, this upbeat tune is a welcome change of pace from the traditional songs of the season. Did I mention there's body percussion? |
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"Teach Me, O Lord" conducted by Schmidt
A poem featured in Grub Street, a Towson University Publication, set to music especially for the Voices of Cockeysville, a middle school choir.
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"Old Poets" premiered by the Handel Choir of Baltimore
-Click here to view/download PDFs- -Click here for more recordings of choral works- Additional Choral Works: -St. Joseph (TTBB a capella & SATB with organ versions) 3' -None Is Righteous (SATB a cappella) 4'30" -My Soul Waits (SATTBB, organ, tenor solo) 8'45" -Lovely Rose (barbershop quartet) 3'30" -Save Me, O God (tenor solo, piano) 8'30" |