Brass Ensemble Euphonium,Horn,Trombone,Trumpet,Tuba - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.722742

Composed by Fredrik Pacius, John Stafford Smith. Arranged by Jari A. Villanueva. Holiday,Patriotic,Romantic Period,World. Score and parts. 12 pages. JV MUSIC #3389317. Published by JV MUSIC (A0.722742).

Anthems of Finland and The United States
Finland National Anthem US National Anthem for Brass Quintet
Arranged by Jari Villanueva

In honor of the 100 years of independence of Finland and 100 years of friendship between our two great nations.

Score
2 Trumpets in Bb
Horn in F
Trombone
Tuba
Substitute parts for Eb Horn and Baritone T.C .provided

Maamme or VÃ¥rt land is the title of Finland's national anthem. The music was composed by the German immigrant Fredrik Pacius, with words by Johan Ludvig Runeberg, and with this music it was performed for the first time on 13 May 1848.

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from Defence of Fort M'Henry, a poem written on September 14, 1814, by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large American flag, the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort during the American victory.

Jari Villanueva earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Music from Kent State University, Ohio. He retired from the US Air Force Band in Washington DC where he spent 23 years as a trumpeter, bugler and staff arranger. He started his publishing company JV MUSIC in 1995. A student of Bill Holcombe, he continues writing for different ensembles and his arrangements are played by bands, brass ensembles and brass quintets all over the country.
He is the winner of the 2016 Sheet Music Plus Arranging Contest and 2016 Holiday Arranging Contest.

https://youtu.be/FkGeeFGmcHw

String Trio Cello,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1283915

Composed by Dr. John Bull. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Early Music,Historic,Renaissance,Wedding. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #875096. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1283915).

Fitzwilliam Virginal Book CXXXVIII.
John Bull was an English composer, organist, virginalist, and organ builder who lived from 1562/63 to 1628. He was educated as a chorister of the Chapel Royal in London and later became a Doctor of Music at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Bull was one of the most famous composers of keyboard music of the early 17th century, and most of his compositions were written for the virginal, a keyboard instrument popular in the Renaissance period. He was known for his outstanding technical ability and keyboard virtuosity, and his music is distinguished by unfailing resourcefulness in devising new musical ideas. Bull's reputation rests on his extensive compositions for virginals and organ, some 150 extant pieces published in Musica Britannica. He was also one of the contributors to Parthenia, a collection of keyboard music published in 1611. Bull wrote an anthem, God the Father, God the Son, for the 1613 wedding of the princess and the Elector Palatine, in addition to his keyboard compositions, verse anthems, canons, and other works. Bull's music ranked among the foremost composers along with Byrd, Gibbons, and Tomkins.

John Bull had several contemporaries who were also prominent composers during the Renaissance period. Some of these composers include:

William Byrd: Byrd was an English composer and one of the most influential figures in English Renaissance music. He was a contemporary of John Bull and is considered one of the greatest composers of his time. Byrd's compositions include sacred choral music, keyboard works, and consort music.

Orlando Gibbons: Gibbons was an English composer and organist who lived during the same period as John Bull. He was known for his sacred choral music, particularly his anthems and verse anthems. Gibbons' compositions are characterized by their expressive harmonies and intricate counterpoint.

Thomas Tomkins: Tomkins was another English composer who was active during the same time as John Bull. He was known for his sacred choral music, including anthems and services. Tomkins' compositions are notable for their rich harmonies and expressive melodies.

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck: Sweelinck was a Dutch composer and organist who was highly regarded during the Renaissance period. He was known for his keyboard music, particularly his variations and fantasias. Sweelinck's compositions had a significant influence on Bull and other composers of the time.

These composers, along with John Bull, were influential figures in the development of Renaissance music and significantly contributed to the repertoire of keyboard and choral music during that era.

Brass Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.951618

Arranged by Travis Hayman. Folk,Holiday,Patriotic. Score and parts. 14 pages. Travis Hayman #6450001. Published by Travis Hayman (A0.951618).

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics come from the Defence of Fort M'Henry, a poem written on September 14, 1814, by 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large U.S. flag, with 15 stars and 15 stripes, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort during the U.S. victory. This is an arrangement for Brass quartet, with optional Eb and Bb Horn parts.

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Trio Bass Clarinet,Flute,Oboe - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1329418

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christian,Christmas,Holiday,Traditional. 6 pages. Jmsgu3 #917401. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1329418).

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming is a Christmas carol with a rich history and deep theological significance. It is most commonly translated from the original German hymn Es ist ein Ros entsprungen. The hymn emphasizes the royal genealogy of Jesus and Christian messianic prophecies, describing a rose sprouting from the stem of the Tree of Jesse, symbolizing the descent of Jesus from Jesse of Bethlehem, the father of King David. The hymn has been set to music by various composers, with the familiar harmonization by Michael Praetorius dating back to the early 17th century. The English translation by Theodore Baker, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, was written in 1894 and has been widely used in English-language hymnals. The hymn's enduring appeal lies in its theological depth, musical beauty, and historical significance, making it a cherished part of the Christmas tradition for many.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1292748

Composed by Dr. John Bull. Arranged by James M.. Guthrie. Chamber,Contest,Early Music,Festival,Historic,Renaissance. 7 pages. Jmsgu3 #883310. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1292748).

John Bull was an English composer, organist, virginalist, and organ builder who lived from 1562/63 to 1628. He was educated as a chorister of the Chapel Royal in London and later became a Doctor of Music at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Bull was one of the most famous composers of keyboard music of the early 17th century, and most of his compositions were written for the virginal, a keyboard instrument popular in the Renaissance period. He was known for his outstanding technical ability and keyboard virtuosity, and his music is distinguished by unfailing resourcefulness in devising new musical ideas. Bull's reputation rests on his extensive compositions for virginals and organ, some 150 extant pieces published in Musica Britannica. He was also one of the contributors to Parthenia, a collection of keyboard music published in 1611. Bull wrote an anthem, God the Father, God the Son, for the 1613 wedding of the princess and the Elector Palatine, in addition to his keyboard compositions, verse anthems, canons, and other works. Bull's music ranked among the foremost composers along with Byrd, Gibbons, and Tomkins.

John Bull had several contemporaries who were also prominent composers during the Renaissance period. Some of these composers include:

William Byrd: Byrd was an English composer and one of the most influential figures in English Renaissance music. He was a contemporary of John Bull and is considered one of the greatest composers of his time. Byrd's compositions include sacred choral music, keyboard works, and consort music.

Orlando Gibbons: Gibbons was an English composer and organist who lived during the same period as John Bull. He was known for his sacred choral music, particularly his anthems and verse anthems. Their expressive harmonies and intricate counterpoint characterize Gibbons' compositions.

Thomas Tomkins: Tomkins was another English composer who was active during the same time as John Bull. He was known for his sacred choral music, including anthems and services. Tomkins' compositions are notable for their rich harmonies and expressive melodies.

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck: Sweelinck was a Dutch composer and organist highly regarded during the Renaissance period. He was known for his keyboard music, particularly his variations and fantasias. Sweelinck's compositions significantly influenced Bull and other composers of the time.

These composers, along with John Bull, were influential figures in the development of Renaissance music and significantly contributed to the repertoire of keyboard and choral music during that era.

Instrumental Solo,Oboe d'Amore,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.549387

Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and individual part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492327. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549387).

Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from Xerxes
Suitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore.

Xerxes

Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score.

Handel Background

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany.

Career in England

It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera.

Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London.

Legacy

Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.

 

Small Ensemble Bassoon,Flute,Horn,Oboe - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.951621

Composed by John Stafford Smith. Arranged by Travis Hayman. Folk,Holiday,Patriotic. Score and parts. 9 pages. Travis Hayman #6451079. Published by Travis Hayman (A0.951621).

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics come from the Defence of Fort M'Henry, a poem written on September 14, 1814, by 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large U.S. flag, with 15 stars and 15 stripes, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort during the U.S. victory. This arrangement is written for Flute, Oboe, (Optional Bb Clarinet replacement for Oboe), Horn in F, and Bassoon.

Trumpet Solo - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.951553

Composed by John Stafford Smith. Arranged by Travis Hayman. Folk,Holiday,Patriotic. Individual part. 5 pages. Travis Hayman #6118413. Published by Travis Hayman (A0.951553).

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics come from the Defence of Fort M'Henry, a poem written on September 14, 1814, by 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large U.S. flag, with 15 stars and 15 stripes, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort during the U.S. victory.

Baritone Saxophone,Piano - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.548979

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Holiday,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #3444583. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548979).

Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd (The lively hunt is all my heart's desire), BWV 208 is the earliest secular cantata by Bach composed in 1713 for the birthday of the Duke of Weissenfels. It is also called the Hunting Cantata, and/or the Birthday Cantata. The most famous piece from this collection is the soprano aria Sheep may safely graze. Duration: 5:50, Score - 6 pg. Solo part - 2 pg. Piano part - 3 pg. 41 ms. Melodic range: M10 Level: Early intermediate and up. A popular choice for weddings, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, and recitals.

Sheep May Safely Graze

Sheep may safely graze (Schafe können sicher weiden) is an aria from the Cantata BWV 208. The title of the Cantata, Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd (nicknamed the Hunting Cantata) translates as The lively hunt is all my heart's desire.

Programming

Similar to Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, or I Stand at the Threshold, it is an all-time favorite and frequently requested at weddings. Originally, Bach composed this aria for a royal birthday celebration, that of the Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels.

Lyrics

Sheep may safely graze and pasture

In a watchful Shepherd’s sight.

Those who rule with wisdom guiding

Bring to hearts a peace abiding

Bless a land with joy made bright.

 

Bach Overview

First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Indeed, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. People are probably most familiar with instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.

 History

Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.

 Style

It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top.

Revival              

Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.

Alto Saxophone,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.549383

Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492297. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549383).

Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from Xerxes
Suitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore.

Xerxes

Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score.

Handel Background

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany.

Career in England

It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera.

Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London.

Legacy

Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.

 

Baritone Saxophone,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.549384

Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492299. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549384).

Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from Xerxes
Suitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore.

Xerxes

Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score.

Handel Background

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany, but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany.

Career in England

It is important to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel nevertheless began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London.

Legacy

Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, the Sinfonia from act 3 was featured the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performance. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has, all in all, expanded.

 

 Register for free lifetime updates and revisions of this product at www.jamesguthrie.com.

Brass Ensemble Trombone - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.751478

Composed by John Stafford Smith (1779-1843), Francis Scott Key (1750-1836). Arranged by Brendan Elliget MAGA 537. Folk,Patriotic. Score and parts. 6 pages. BJE Music #6256933. Published by BJE Music (A0.751478).

The Star-Spangled Banner - Trombone Quartet Score and Parts PDF
Music by John Stafford Smith (1779 -1843) Words by Francis Scott Key (1750 -1836)


The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from Defence of Fort M'Henry, a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. The Star-Spangled Banner was recognized for official use by the United States Navy in 1889, and by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, and was made the national anthem by a congressional resolution on March 3, 1931.

This arrangement is for Trombone Quartet in the key of C.
​Grade = 3 Duration = 2 mins (2 verses).

Brass Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.951615

Composed by John Stafford Smith. Arranged by Travis Hayman. Folk,Holiday,Patriotic. Score and parts. 13 pages. Travis Hayman #6449675. Published by Travis Hayman (A0.951615).

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics come from the Defence of Fort M'Henry, a poem written on September 14, 1814, by 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large U.S. flag, with 15 stars and 15 stripes, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort during the U.S. victory. This arrangement is written for 3 tenor trombones, and bass trombone, or three baritones and tuba, or any combination to equal the quartet.

Choral Choir (4-Part) - Level 5 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.535382

Composed by Carson Cooman. Contemporary,Sacred. Octavo. 187 pages. Musik Fabrik Music Publishing #3025403. Published by Musik Fabrik Music Publishing (A0.535382).

The Revelations of Divine Love (Metaphors from Sea and Sky) (2009), an oratorio for soprano,
baritone, chorus, and chamber orchestra (0000.1100.1perc.strings), was commissioned for and is dedicated to the choir of
Royal Holloway, University of London and Rupert Gough, director of choral music.
The texts of the work are adapted primarily from the writings of Julian of Norwich (c. 1342–1416).
Julian is best-known for her Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love (c. 1393), believed to be the first Englishlanguage
book written by a woman. Considered one of the most significant English mystics of all
time, Julian lived a reclusive life as an anchoress at the Church of St. Julian in Norwich, England (her
true name is unknown). Regarded even during her lifetime as a spiritual authority, her optimistic
visions have been very influential in the years that have followed.
Texts are also drawn from three additional sources: an excerpt from the Book of Margery Kempe
(translated by Christopher M. Brunelle), two poems by English poet Robert Herrick (1591–1674),
and a poem by the American writer Elizabeth Kirschner (b. 1955).
The primary concept underlying this oratorio is the presence of two distinct discourses. One is a
sequence taken from Julian’s religious visions. The other is a sonic geography of Nantucket Island
(located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts in the United States). This interconnected concept
was inspired by the writings of the great Scottish poet George Mackay Brown (1921–1996). Living
his entire life on Scotland’s Orkney Islands, Mackay Brown consistently explored the transposition
of religious imagery and events to his native landscape. (For example, the poem Apple-Basket, Apple-
Blossom takes the story and structure of the Stations of the Cross, and maps them onto imagery of
distinctly Orcadian character.)
The landscape of Nantucket Island has been the driving force behind a large number of my
compositions for many years. In this oratorio, Julian’s visions are transposed from Norwich and
mapped onto the Nantucket landscape. Each movement of the work thus has two parallel purposes:
a setting of the visionary words, and a portrayal of a specific place in Nantucket’s geography. Much
of the music was planned in the actual locations. Since the soloists and choir must, by necessity, sing
the words, a great deal of the landscape is left to the orchestra. Thus, the orchestra’s role is
substantially greater than simply accompaniment.
Because of these two discourses, the oratorio is not intended as comprehensive working out of all
aspects of Julian’s visions, nor does it use her own structure and sequence. Rather, it takes her
beautiful words, and the fundamentals of her visions, and attempts to create a new narrative and
spiritual experience from them.

This is the full score.  The vocal score is available for sale.  The parts are available on rental from the publisher.