Robert Farrell gives us a meditative treatment of the Mode V ancient Carmelite hymn, Salve Mater misericodi!. The harmonies and patterns are reminiscent of Englishmen John Rutter and Ralph Vaughn Williams. The music makes effortless transitions among several time signatures and handles various textures well. There are rhythmic motives, solo melodies, celeste harmonies in a free-spun, fantasia-like structure. Not at all difficult to play, Farrell's setting of this chant hymn would be a fantastic prelude or communion piece for any Marian feast day. |
