SKU: HL.49045940

Artfully combining the old with the new - that is one of the hallmarks of Alwin M. Schronen. That this versatile balancing actor andbearer of numerous compositional prizes succeeds in mastering this artistic balancing act, he proves once again in his sacred choralcomposition Hodie Christus natus est. This Latin-speaking work for 8-part mixed choir a cappella (SSAATTBB) is based on the antiphonto the Magnificat of the Christmas Vespers. Schronen opens his Christmas song with the literal intonation of the traditional Gregorian melody. After this beginning, alternating between male and female voices, the composer lets the entire choir join in the jubilation of thanks for the birth of Jesus. He manages to lift the listener with his very own musical language in other heavenly realms. A wonderful, but at the same time vocally demanding piece of music, which is equally suitable for the use of church music asit is for concert use.

SKU: GI.G-7204

Latin. Text source: From the Eucharistic Liturgy of the Roman Rite. Scripture: Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 118:26, Matthew 21:9, Revelation 4:8.

An a cappella polyphonic setting based on the Sanctus chant of Mass XVIII. Though not particularly complex, the extensive divisi requires fairly sizeable forces, and the harmonic texture requires careful attention to intonation. The end result creates a powerfully rich sonority.

An a cappella polyphonic setting based on the Sanctus chant of Mass XVIII.

SKU: CA.738660

ISBN 9790007166311. Text language: Latin.

The composition of Verba Ecclesiastes begun in 2002 as a result of a comission from my friend Gary Graden. For many years I've found those words from the Old Testament very fascinating - as everyone knows, I'm not alone. Vanity of vanities! All is vanity! Writers, painters and filmmakers have for centuries been dealing with the subject and I found it high time to set the famous words to music. The suite, for soloists, choir and violoncello, consists of six movements, each one enlighting a different view of life and afterlife, and also, as Matthew Arnold puts it of human misery. Yet the suite is full of hope and humanity, specially recognizable in the two central parts, Dulce lumen and Omnia tempus habent. The music was completed in 2009. (Michael Waldenby).