SKU: 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.

SKU: A0.943026

HUBERTUS: THE CLARION for FRENCH HORN and PIANO
(Alternate title: THE CLARION)
Playing time: Appx. 3:00
Services: St. Hubert’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Concert venue: Any (under the alternate title The Clarion)
 
The legend of St. Hubert tells of the time when he was hunting and came upon a stag with a crucifix between its antlers; this is a legend which Hubert shares with St. Eustace. The patron saint of hunters and the hunt, St. Hubert’s symbol of a stag with a cross is iconic to the famous liquor Jägermeister, which means Hunt Master. His feast day is November 3 and in older traditions it was observed as one of the earliest Christmas Feast Days in the season.

In this piece of music the sound of the hunt and the hunting horn are quite evident. And yet it is not the sound of a frenzied chase per se, but rather the sound of a beautiful, easy ride through the woods…and a spiritual awakening. Please note: Although this is scored for the horn, I have supplied an optional version for C instrument and in fact at its debut in California it was performed as a flute and piano piece.

The music may be used for church services ranging from St. Hubert’s Day itself in early November, through Thanksgiving and Christmas. As a concert work under the alternate title The Clarion, it is a piece well-suited for any time of year. May it be a delightful addition to any venue that you choose. God bless.

SKU: A0.898932

Firefly Elegy uses a 12-note melodic theme, which through the course of the piece undergoes a series of transformations - mirroring the metamorphosis that takes place over a firefly's brief life span. The piece comprises four sections that reflect the four life stages of the firefly. During the motionless egg stage, some types of fireflies glow dimly; the opening section of the piece (following a short fanfare of flashing-light) is likewise static and calm, while at the same time features an internal motion hinting at subdued energy. The following groovy section is at times aggressive, not unlike the firefly during its larva stage, when it is hunting and digesting insects using special enzymes.  The firefly hibernates through the pupa stage - reflected in the third section of the piece by seemingly everlasting sustained chords in the strings. Like a flash of light, each new phrase begins with an ascending scale, while the harp provides groups of repeated notes, recalling the synchronized flashes that are found in groups of tropical fireflies. Firefly Elegy ends with an elegy in which the now mature firefly looks back at its life. It has gone through such an extensive journey but only long enough to mate and lay eggs, sometimes without feeding during its adult stage. In the summertime, I often watch the firefly in his lonely flutter, flashing about and looking for a mate so he can complete the sole purpose of his short life before dying away. He must sometimes look back and wonder: was it all worth it?

SKU: A0.1368458

Melodic Charm: As the title suggests, the piece is likely centered around a clear and memorable melody. Hunten had a gift for crafting tunes that were lyrical and expressive. The melody in this piece would probably be singable and emotionally evocative, reflecting Hunten's ability to convey sentiment through simple yet effective musical lines.
Classical Influences: Though Hunten's lifetime coincided with the Romantic era, his music retained a strong connection to Classical principles, including balance, clarity, and formal structure. Melody in C Major might exhibit these classical traits while also expressing the emotional depth that characterized Romantic music.
C Major Key: Being in the key of C Major, the piece likely has a bright, open, and uplifting character. C Major is often associated with purity and simplicity, and Hunten may have chosen this key to complement the straightforward and heartfelt nature of the melody.
Technical Accessibility: Hunten's compositions were known for their accessibility to pianists of various skill levels. Melody in C Major is likely to be approachable for intermediate players, offering a chance to focus on expression and phrasing without the distraction of overly complex technical demands.

SKU: A0.1264880

Perform this original work of Celtic Irish setting from her CD (Gypsy Road,2012) scored for harp ensemble of intermediate to advanced players.  Scored in E minor with no lever changes it features a creative slip-jig with lush and effective harmonies.  A rare opportunity to showcase programmatic skills for the harp ensemble.   The dark and mysterious musical message will touch the hearts of all who hear it.

About the Composition

I wrote this when I was very angry at the world.  Someday I might meet a black hound on a dark night... and we’ll both go hunting together.

Black Dogs,  Black Hounds, The Hounds of Hell,  Dogs of Hell,  Gabriel Hounds, Yell Hounds,  Barghest,  Black Dog of the Hanging Hills, Gurt Dog or the Hounds of Herne the Hunter… by whatever name, they are a common feature in the folklore of the British Isles.  The Black Hounds of Cŵn Annwn are the spectral hounds of Annwn, the otherworld of Welsh myth.  Early Christians came to dub these mythical creatures as The Hounds of Hell or Dogs of Hell and erroneously theorized they were therefore owned by Satan.  However, the Annwn of medieval Welsh tradition is an otherworldly paradise and not a hell or abode of dead souls. The Black Hounds are a nocturnal apparition, and their appearance was regarded as a portent of death. They are supposed to hunt on specific nights in the autumn and winter when it is believed that the howling of these huge dogs foretold death to anyone who heard them. 

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About the Composer 
Laura Olson (ASCAP) is a retired California music educator with over 30 years of experience specializing in stringed instruments and orchestras. She holds a B.A. in Music Education and M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance (fiddle, flute, and harp). Her experience as a symphonic musician, ethnic musician, and Film/TV composer led her to combining the three aspects of music into her own compositions and arrangements; storybook music in cinematic style. She is the owner of her recording and publishing label Blue Steer Studios(ASCAP) which allows her to combine her composing skills with knowledge of both the business and publishing aspects of music industry. Winner of a Silver Ace Award from the Las Vegas Film Festival she has composed music for all types of media, including Film/TV, web and advertising, and her own personal music in audio CD and sheet music. In 2021 she took time off from composing to relocate her studio to Eastern Washington (Spokane) and is now getting started on new projects and pursuing music composition full time. Look for them soon!

************************************************* 
Discography 
Mossflower Country (2010) 
Border Guardians of Ackernon (2011) 
Gypsy Road (2012) which released with proceeds going to Fresno Bully Rescue and Animal Compassion Team 
Moon Trees and Sun Seas (2015) 
A Grimm-ly Lit Forest (2018). 
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Social
Spotify: LauraOlsonMusic 
Apple Music: https://music.lnk.to/0GVvSr 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlueSteerStudios/ 
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlueSteerStudio 
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/laura-olson 
*************************************************.

SKU: A0.1267054

Perform this original work of Celtic Irish setting from her CD (Gypsy Road,2012) scored for harp ensemble of intermediate to advanced players.  Scored in E minor with no lever changes it features a creative slip-jig with lush and effective harmonies.  A rare opportunity to showcase programmatic skills for the harp ensemble.   The dark and mysterious musical message will touch the hearts of all who hear it.

About the Composition

I wrote this when I was very angry at the world.  Someday I might meet a black hound on a dark night... and we’ll both go hunting together.

Black Dogs,  Black Hounds, The Hounds of Hell,  Dogs of Hell,  Gabriel Hounds, Yell Hounds,  Barghest,  Black Dog of the Hanging Hills, Gurt Dog or the Hounds of Herne the Hunter… by whatever name, they are a common feature in the folklore of the British Isles.  The Black Hounds of Cŵn Annwn are the spectral hounds of Annwn, the otherworld of Welsh myth.  Early Christians came to dub these mythical creatures as The Hounds of Hell or Dogs of Hell and erroneously theorized they were therefore owned by Satan.  However, the Annwn of medieval Welsh tradition is an otherworldly paradise and not a hell or abode of dead souls. The Black Hounds are a nocturnal apparition, and their appearance was regarded as a portent of death. They are supposed to hunt on specific nights in the autumn and winter when it is believed that the howling of these huge dogs foretold death to anyone who heard them. 

*************************************************
About the Composer 
Laura Olson (ASCAP) is a retired California music educator with over 30 years of experience specializing in stringed instruments and orchestras. She holds a B.A. in Music Education and M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance (fiddle, flute, and harp). Her experience as a symphonic musician, ethnic musician, and Film/TV composer led her to combining the three aspects of music into her own compositions and arrangements; storybook music in cinematic style. She is the owner of her recording and publishing label Blue Steer Studios(ASCAP) which allows her to combine her composing skills with knowledge of both the business and publishing aspects of music industry. Winner of a Silver Ace Award from the Las Vegas Film Festival she has composed music for all types of media, including Film/TV, web and advertising, and her own personal music in audio CD and sheet music. In 2021 she took time off from composing to relocate her studio to Eastern Washington (Spokane) and is now getting started on new projects and pursuing music composition full time. Look for them soon!

************************************************* 
Discography 
Mossflower Country (2010) 
Border Guardians of Ackernon (2011) 
Gypsy Road (2012) which released with proceeds going to Fresno Bully Rescue and Animal Compassion Team 
Moon Trees and Sun Seas (2015) 
A Grimm-ly Lit Forest (2018). 
*************************************************
Social
Spotify: LauraOlsonMusic 
Apple Music: https://music.lnk.to/0GVvSr 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlueSteerStudios/ 
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlueSteerStudio 
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/laura-olson 
*************************************************.

SKU: A0.1264883

Perform this original work of Celtic Irish setting from her CD (Gypsy Road,2012) scored for harp ensemble of intermediate to advanced players.  Scored in E minor with no lever changes it features a creative slip-jig with lush and effective harmonies.  A rare opportunity to showcase programmatic skills for the harp ensemble.   The dark and mysterious musical message will touch the hearts of all who hear it.

About the Composition

I wrote this when I was very angry at the world.  Someday I might meet a black hound on a dark night... and we’ll both go hunting together.

Black Dogs,  Black Hounds, The Hounds of Hell,  Dogs of Hell,  Gabriel Hounds, Yell Hounds,  Barghest,  Black Dog of the Hanging Hills, Gurt Dog or the Hounds of Herne the Hunter… by whatever name, they are a common feature in the folklore of the British Isles.  The Black Hounds of Cŵn Annwn are the spectral hounds of Annwn, the otherworld of Welsh myth.  Early Christians came to dub these mythical creatures as The Hounds of Hell or Dogs of Hell and erroneously theorized they were therefore owned by Satan.  However, the Annwn of medieval Welsh tradition is an otherworldly paradise and not a hell or abode of dead souls. The Black Hounds are a nocturnal apparition, and their appearance was regarded as a portent of death. They are supposed to hunt on specific nights in the autumn and winter when it is believed that the howling of these huge dogs foretold death to anyone who heard them. 

*************************************************
About the Composer 
Laura Olson (ASCAP) is a retired California music educator with over 30 years of experience specializing in stringed instruments and orchestras. She holds a B.A. in Music Education and M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance (fiddle, flute, and harp). Her experience as a symphonic musician, ethnic musician, and Film/TV composer led her to combining the three aspects of music into her own compositions and arrangements; storybook music in cinematic style. She is the owner of her recording and publishing label Blue Steer Studios(ASCAP) which allows her to combine her composing skills with knowledge of both the business and publishing aspects of music industry. Winner of a Silver Ace Award from the Las Vegas Film Festival she has composed music for all types of media, including Film/TV, web and advertising, and her own personal music in audio CD and sheet music. In 2021 she took time off from composing to relocate her studio to Eastern Washington (Spokane) and is now getting started on new projects and pursuing music composition full time. Look for them soon!

************************************************* 
Discography 
Mossflower Country (2010) 
Border Guardians of Ackernon (2011) 
Gypsy Road (2012) which released with proceeds going to Fresno Bully Rescue and Animal Compassion Team 
Moon Trees and Sun Seas (2015) 
A Grimm-ly Lit Forest (2018). 
*************************************************
Social
Spotify: LauraOlsonMusic 
Apple Music: https://music.lnk.to/0GVvSr 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlueSteerStudios/ 
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlueSteerStudio 
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/laura-olson 
*************************************************.

SKU: A0.1264876

Perform this original work of Celtic Irish setting from her CD (Gypsy Road,2012) scored for harp ensemble of intermediate to advanced players.  Scored in E minor with no lever changes it features a creative slip-jig with lush and effective harmonies.  A rare opportunity to showcase programmatic skills for the harp ensemble.   The dark and mysterious musical message will touch the hearts of all who hear it.

About the Composition

I wrote this when I was very angry at the world.  Someday I might meet a black hound on a dark night... and we’ll both go hunting together.

Black Dogs,  Black Hounds, The Hounds of Hell,  Dogs of Hell,  Gabriel Hounds, Yell Hounds,  Barghest,  Black Dog of the Hanging Hills, Gurt Dog or the Hounds of Herne the Hunter… by whatever name, they are a common feature in the folklore of the British Isles.  The Black Hounds of Cŵn Annwn are the spectral hounds of Annwn, the otherworld of Welsh myth.  Early Christians came to dub these mythical creatures as The Hounds of Hell or Dogs of Hell and erroneously theorized they were therefore owned by Satan.  However, the Annwn of medieval Welsh tradition is an otherworldly paradise and not a hell or abode of dead souls. The Black Hounds are a nocturnal apparition, and their appearance was regarded as a portent of death. They are supposed to hunt on specific nights in the autumn and winter when it is believed that the howling of these huge dogs foretold death to anyone who heard them. 

*************************************************
About the Composer 
Laura Olson (ASCAP) is a retired California music educator with over 30 years of experience specializing in stringed instruments and orchestras. She holds a B.A. in Music Education and M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance (fiddle, flute, and harp). Her experience as a symphonic musician, ethnic musician, and Film/TV composer led her to combining the three aspects of music into her own compositions and arrangements; storybook music in cinematic style. She is the owner of her recording and publishing label Blue Steer Studios(ASCAP) which allows her to combine her composing skills with knowledge of both the business and publishing aspects of music industry. Winner of a Silver Ace Award from the Las Vegas Film Festival she has composed music for all types of media, including Film/TV, web and advertising, and her own personal music in audio CD and sheet music. In 2021 she took time off from composing to relocate her studio to Eastern Washington (Spokane) and is now getting started on new projects and pursuing music composition full time. Look for them soon!

************************************************* 
Discography 
Mossflower Country (2010) 
Border Guardians of Ackernon (2011) 
Gypsy Road (2012) which released with proceeds going to Fresno Bully Rescue and Animal Compassion Team 
Moon Trees and Sun Seas (2015) 
A Grimm-ly Lit Forest (2018). 
*************************************************
Social
Spotify: LauraOlsonMusic 
Apple Music: https://music.lnk.to/0GVvSr 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlueSteerStudios/ 
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlueSteerStudio 
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/laura-olson 
*************************************************.