"Superb poetry in a musical language that gives voice to the modern soul."
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A collection of 24 new art songs by 21 American composers
for medium high (C4-F5 Tessitura) and high voice
now in one volume!
Available from Classical Vocal Reprints (CVR #3834) 1-800-298-7474
CD Available!
At long last there is a genuinely new collection of art song for the sacred service. This important anthology of American Art Song for the Sacred Service compiled and edited by Dr. Karen Leigh-Post (Lawrence University, WI) contains 24 songs by 21 American composers. While you may recognize many of the composer's names (Libby Larsen, Stephen Paulus, Paul Crabtree, Alan Hovhaness) few of the songs have been published previously.
Disappointed by volumes of the same tired classical repertory repackaged in
the guise of new editions, Dr. Post found inspiration for this project when
she heard a local composer’s art songs performed in recital. Abraham
to Kill Him, by J. Halvor Benson, is just what she had been seeking in a sacred
song – the telling of a timeless message with superb poetry in a musical
language that gives voice to the modern soul.
For centuries our worship services have enjoyed the solo vocal literature
of musical giants such as F. Schubert (Ave Maria), G. Fauré (En priere)
or W. A. Mozart (Alleluia) and G. F. Handel (I Know that My Redeemer Liveth).
More recently the songs of Ralph Vaughan Williams (The Call) or Benjamin Britten
(Ceremony of Carols) have fed our spirits while, with the exception of A.
Copland (At the River) or L. Bernstein (Simple Song), American composers have
been underrepresented. In publishing American Art Song for the Sacred Service
Dr. Post seeks, at least in part, to fill the chasm between modern concert
repertory and contemporary worship and praise music. In addition, this collection
provides a much needed new source of songs with organ as well as piano. To
assure quality, objectivity and a broad base of knowledge and taste, a panel
of judges was gathered to review submitted compositions. The standards were
high. Each song had to satisfy the needs of the composer, poet and performer
to assure its endorsement by classically trained musicians. Furthermore, in
keeping with today’s global awareness, the anthology has embraced a
truly ecumenical spirit.
