This arrangement of one of the most beloved spirituals begins with some Jazz-style scat singing in all the voices before the altos and sopranos begin the first refrain. The style shifts to driving straight eighth notes to bring the arrangement to an exciting conclusion. Duration 4:17 This arrangement of one of the most beloved spirituals begins with some Jazz-style scat singing in all the voices before the altos and sopranos begin the first refrain. The style shifts to driving straight eighth notes to bring the arrangement to an exciting conclusion. Duration 4:17

Five Mystical Songs

Based on text by Robert Louis Stevenson the piece has a rousing melody set in compound duple meter. The music depicts the imagery of streamlets gushing and the many sounds of rejoicing nature that accompany spring. A brief section in simple meter portrays a scene of pastoral tranquility. The piece finishes with the intial melody accompanied by a soaring descant. Duration: 3:15

This lyrical setting of a poem by Sara Teasdale was commissioned as a gift for a consortium of seven high school choirs in Illinois. It begins with a reflective and contemplative tone that shifts dramatically to celebrate the power of singing—alone and collectively—to provide a sanctuary from life’s tribulations. Largely in four parts with brief occurrences of divisi. Duration: 4:45

This piece may be performed as part of a collection of four Whitman settings under the master title This Is Thy Hour. A majestic opening heralds the hour that unfolds to a rhythmic ostinato that acts as the underpinning for the text of This Is Thy Hour. A plaintive middle section contrasts with legato vocal lines for the text “thee fully forth emerging.” The work concludes revisiting the opening material and ends with triumphant homophonic chords before ending with a restatement of the softer middle section expressing the wonder of that which the poet loves best. Duration: 4:30

A lyrical violin solo excerpted from the composer's violin concerto.