Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 3 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.915680
Composed by Richard Joseph Barber. Classical,Contemporary,Sacred. Octavo. 4 pages. Barber Music Company #3023247. Published by Barber Music Company (A0.915680).
Words by St. Ambrose of Milan (c340–397), tr. by John Henry Newman.
Set to music and arranged by Richard Joseph Barber for Rev. Jason Parker, High Country Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, CO.
Composer's note:
This is a joyous call to prayer (especially morning prayer). The music reminds me of little children skipping with glee under a bright blue morning sky. It needs to be sung with joy in the Lord, Who hears us when we call, forgives our sins, and gives us grace to love Him, keep his commands and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. It should be a wonder morning service anthem, but why not try it in the evening, too, in anticipation of meeting God at the beginning of the next day.
The key to the style of this piece is rhythmic vitality. The 6/8 meter should be conducted in two, but singers (and the conductor) must feel the eighth note division of the beat as the composition's energizing rhythmic subtext. After the choir has learned the words, pitches and rhythms of the piece, have them let the text go for awhile, and replace it with the syllable doo for every eighth note value. That is, for every eighth note sing 'doo once; for every quarter note sing it twice; for every dotted quarter note sing it three times, and so on. You will hear some giggling from your singers. That is okay. They will have some fun, and you will hear definite improvement. RJB (barberpianoserv@gmail.com).
