SKU: BJ.1327

8.27 x 11.7 inches.

No. 3 from Three Latin motets. A six parts a cappella setting of the old Ubi caritas text from the 7th century.

The Three latin motets were composed for the communion service at Oscarskyrkan in Stockholm. They have also been performed at concerts and at various choral competitions throughout Europe.
The pieces make up a small suite, where the hymns by Thomas Aquinas frame the ancient Ubi caritas as a centerpiece. Beginning with the epic multi-verse setting of Tantum ergo and ending with the dance-like ritornello structure of O sacrum convivium, the suite makes up a nice ternary form with the warm stillness of Ubi caritas in the middle.
While composing, I aimed to evoke the antiquity of the texts by assigning them to mock-plainchant melodies and then treating them in a cantus firmus setting. All three pieces are written in a neo-romantic style.

The Ubi caritas is an ancient hymn associated with Maundy Thursday and the service of the washing of the feet. It is believed to have its roots in the earliest Christian church, before the mass was formalized. The service of Maundy Thursday revolves around the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples' feet by Jesus Christ. Par Olofsson, musician in Oscarskyrkan, Stockholm.

See also Tantum ergo and O sacrum convivium by Par Olofsson.

SKU: BJ.1463

8.27 x 11.7 inches.

Winner of the 3rd prize in Bo Ejeby Förlag’s composition award 2021.

The choral piece Timmarna vid havet (Hours by the sea) breathes reverence and calm. The rhythmic swelling of the waves, the ever-shifting light, and the gritty sensation of salt on our lips. A setting that is always in transition. Oscillating wah-wah effects, audible breathing, and shadow whispers should be performed without any posturing, the objective being a light-handed and organic part of the performance. – Göran Sahlberg and Kjell Perder.