American Art Song for the Sacred Service 

"Superb poetry in a musical language that gives voice to the modern soul."

 

 

To Order

What People are Saying

Journal of Singing Review

Contents

Calendar

 

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.

 


CONTENTS


Christmas
On Christmas Night, Emma Lou Diemer
I Sing of a Maiden, William B. Goldberg
Epiphany Vigil at Gethsemani Abbey, Jeffrey Hoover


General
A Wreath, David Evan Thomas
Abraham to Kill Him, J. Halvor Benson
Agnus Dei/Sanctus, Libby Larsen
Be Still, My Soul, Stephen Paulus
But the Greatest of them All is Love: I Corinthians 13, Ronald R. Williams
Eternal is Thy Pow’r, Judith Lang Zaimont
I Corinthians 13, Donald Reid Womack
Hear My Song, J. Halvor Benson
(Two voices or voice, flute & piano)
If I…, Lori Laitman
I’m Glad Salvation is Free, Robert L. Morris
Sing Praise to God, Mark Hijleh
The Lamb, John White


Meditation
Alas, ‘tis True, Paul Crabtree
(Voice & organ)
Benediction & Meditation, Jay Anthony Gach
Psalm 131, Donald Reid Womack


Memorial
As the Time Draws Nigh, Norman Mathews
Be Still, My Soul, Stephen Paulus

Holocaust Remembrance
Going Back, Allen Gimbel
(Voice, clarinet & piano)


Spiritual Healing
He Touches the Broken Heart, Alan Hovhaness
(Voice, trumpet (opt.) & organ)


Wedding
Arise My Darling My Beautiful One, Mona Lyn Reese
(Soprano, tenor & organ)
A Wreath, David Evan Thomas
But the Greatest of them All is Love: I Corinthians 13, Ronald R. Williams
I Corinthians 13, Donald Reid Womack
I Am the Rose of Sharon, Curtis Bryant
(Voice, flute & piano)
Shall I Compare Thee?, Stephen Paulus

 

 

Karen Leigh-Post, mezzo soprano
David Heller, organ and piano

 

To request a concert in your area contact Karen Leigh-Post.

Karen Leigh-Post
Conservatory of Music
Lawrence University
P.O. Box 599
Appleton, WI  54912-0599

E-mail:  karen.leigh-post@lawrence.edu