Prayer of Being

SKU: AP.36-A464991

ISBN 9798892700023. UPC: 659359968167. English.

While Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) modestly refers to Hear My Prayer (Hör' mein Bitten) in G Major, WoO 15, as a trifle, it is among his most popular works for chorus. On the autograph score, he inscribed the following: A sacred Solo, for a Soprano and Chorus, with Organ accompaniment, composed for W. Bartholomew, Esq., by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. William Bartholomew wrote the text, which is derived on Psalm 55, and requested that Mendelssohn set it to music. This version premiered on January 8, 1845, at Crosby Hall in London. In 1847, Mendelssohn orchestrated the work, but he passed before he could hear this version, which premiered on December 21, 1848, in Dublin. Score and parts for orchestral accompaniment available separately. This edition adds reheasal numbers that match between the score, parts, and choral score.

These products are currently being prepared by a new publisher. While many items are ready and will ship on time, some others may see delays of several months.

SKU: BT.DHP-0991687-120

This beautiful long flowing melody comes from Humperdinck’s famous opera Hansel and Gretel (1893). In addition to being a delightful concert work it is also a useful as a tone study for practicing playing in a legato style.

Der Abendsegen ist wohl das bekannteste Stück aus Humperdincks Märchenoper Hänsel und Gretel. Diese Oper gilt auch heute noch als eine der berühmtesten deutschen Opern, die traditionell in der Zeit um Weihnachten aufgeführt wird. Robert van Beringen arrangierte das Duett.

SKU: BT.DHP-0991687-010

This beautiful long flowing melody comes from Humperdinck’s famous opera Hansel and Gretel (1893). In addition to being a delightful concert work it is also a useful as a tone study for practicing playing in a legato style.

Der Abendsegen ist wohl das bekannteste Stück aus Humperdincks Märchenoper Hänsel und Gretel. Diese Oper gilt auch heute noch als eine der berühmtesten deutschen Opern, die traditionell in der Zeit um Weihnachten aufgeführt wird. Robert van Beringen arrangierte das Duett für Blasorchester.

SKU: CF.BF141

ISBN 9781491159989. UPC: 680160918584.

The three pieces From Jewish Life were composed by Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch in 1924, the same year he took U.S. citizenship. Though clearly inspired and influenced by Jewish experience, they are purely concert pieces, and do not provide any specific liturgical significance.

The first movement, Prayer, is a deeply heartfelt plea to the almighty. As Neil W Levin writes, The initial four-note motive in the minor mode, together with its elaboration in the ensuing phrases, sounds as if it might have served as the skeletal model for Max Janowski's (1912-1991) now well-known setting of the High Holyday prayer Avinu Malkenu. This prayer has special meaning in my own spiritual life, as I have been singing it since my childhood. Both Prayer and Janowski's Avinu Malkenu are cantorial in nature, to be sung with heartfelt pathos.

The second movement, Supplication (the act of begging humbly), has more angst, almost a sense of urgency as a result of the rhythmic motor in the piano. The third movement, Jewish Song, evokes a quintessentially Eastern-European melancholy. Its falling motives with bent intonation might represent the pain of the Jewish experience.

The works were dedicated to Dutch-American cellist Hans Kindler, a highly influential musician of his time, and founder of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kindler was the soloist for the world premiere of Bloch's most celebrated work, Schelomo in 1917.

Though the popularity of Bloch's oeuvre has been dominated by works of Jewish connection, we should not forget that Bloch had many other stylistic periods, including Franco-Belgian, modal, serial, and even American folk. In 1927, he was awarded Musical America's composition prize in a unanimous vote, despite being regarded as an outsider by American music writers at the time. His winning work America (1928) was performed by every major orchestra and conductor in the following seasons. May we be proud of his contributions to American music.
The three pieces From Jewish Life were composed by Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch in 1924, the same year he took U.S. citizenship. Though clearly inspired and influenced by Jewish experience, they are purely concert pieces, and do not provide any specific liturgical significance. The first movement, Prayer, is a deeply heartfelt plea to the almighty. As Neil W Levin writes, The initial four-note motive in the minor mode, together with its elaboration in the ensuing phrases, sounds as if it might have served as the skeletal model for Max Janowski's (1912-1991) now well-known setting of the High Holyday prayer Avinu Malkenu. This prayer has special meaning in my own spiritual life, as I have been singing it since my childhood. Both Prayer and Janowski's Avinu Malkenu are cantorial in nature, to be sung with heartfelt pathos. The second movement, Supplication (the act of begging humbly), has more angst, almost a sense of urgency as a result of the rhythmic motor in the piano. The third movement, Jewish Song, evokes a quintessentially Eastern-European melancholy. Its falling motives with bent intonation might represent the pain of the Jewish experience. The works were dedicated to Dutch-American cellist Hans Kindler, a highly influential musician of his time, and founder of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kindler was the soloist for the world premiere of Bloch's most celebrated work, Schelomo in 1917. Though the popularity of Bloch's oeuvre has been dominated by works of Jewish connection, we should not forget that Bloch had many other stylistic periods, including Franco-Belgian, modal, serial, and even American folk. In 1927, he was awarded Musical America's composition prize in a unanimous vote, despite being regarded as an outsider by American music writers at the time. His winning work America (1928) was performed by every major orchestra and conductor in the following seasons. May we be proud of his contributions to American music.
The three pieces From Jewish Life were composed by Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch in 1924, the same year he took U.S. citizenship. Though clearly inspired and influenced by Jewish experience, they are purely concert pieces, and do not provide any specific liturgical significance.The first movement, “Prayer”, is a deeply heartfelt plea to the almighty. As Neil W Levin writes, “The initial four-note motive in the minor mode, together with its elaboration in the ensuing phrases, sounds as if it might have served as the skeletal model for Max Janowski’s (1912–1991) now well-known setting of the High Holyday prayer Avinu Malkenu.” This prayer has special meaning in my own spiritual life, as I have been singing it since my childhood. Both “Prayer” and Janowski’s Avinu Malkenu are cantorial in nature, to be sung with heartfelt pathos.The second movement, “Supplication” (the act of begging humbly), has more angst, almost a sense of urgency as a result of the rhythmic motor in the piano. The third movement, “Jewish Song”, evokes a quintessentially Eastern-European melancholy. Its falling motives with bent intonation might represent the pain of the Jewish experience.The works were dedicated to Dutch-American cellist Hans Kindler, a highly influential musician of his time, and founder of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kindler was the soloist for the world premiere of Bloch’s most celebrated work, Schelomo in 1917.Though the popularity of Bloch’s oeuvre has been dominated by works of Jewish connection, we should not forget that Bloch had many other stylistic periods, including Franco-Belgian, modal, serial, and even American folk. In 1927, he was awarded Musical America’s composition prize in a unanimous vote, despite being regarded as an outsider by American music writers at the time. His winning work America (1928) was performed by every major orchestra and conductor in the following seasons. May we be proud of his contributions to American music.

SKU: SU.32040040

Mezzo-Soprano & Piano Duration: 17' Composed: 2014 Published by: Amy Mills Music, LLC These three art songs can be performed independently or in sequence, at any time of the year. Stuart McAlpine’s profound text explores three men from the Christmas story, Joseph, the Inn-keeper, and Simeon. The creative and beautiful musical settings allow for powerfully dramatic interpretation and performance. To Joseph (who taught me how to look at art) The singer sings to Joseph, …you beheld a work of art, the making of a holy heart… and watching through Joseph’s eyes, when hung at last, its meaning was decreed. (4:40) The Inn-keeper’s Lament McAlpine brilliantly explores the possibility…what if the inn-keeper who turned away Mary & Joseph later became the inn-keeper who accepted the injured man brought in by the Good Samaritan? This powerfully dramatic piece depicts the Bethlehem inn-keeper’s bravado, Caeser’s decree was heaven sent, as guests raised glasses, I raised rent! But as the enormity of his mistake became apparent, in later years he bemoans, …if I’d known then what I know now… and finally declares at the end, I know now! (7:50) Simeon’s Last Prayer Simeon sings of being summoned to the temple where he holds his infant Savior. …then as grandfathers do, rejoiced as if he were my one-and-only too. As he leaves he whispers his final prayer, …dismiss your servant, to find You face-to-face. (4:30) Difficulty Level: Baritone/Mezzo-Soprano 6 (Professional) (Baritone Range: low A (optional low G) to high F# (optional high G,A) (Mezzo Range: low A (optional low G) to high G (optional high A) Piano 6 (Professional)(Same level as Debussy or Ravel) See also the version for Baritone Voice and Piano See composer website for audio sample.