Music and Texts of GARY BACHLUND
Vocal Music | Piano | Organ | Chamber Music | Orchestral | Articles and Commentary | Poems and Stories | Miscellany | FAQs
Choral Music
Text of Bertram Kottmann
SATB and organ
Komm, heil’ger Geist, Erschaffer, komm:
dein Odem unsrer Seele fromm’,
bis jedes Herz, das du gemacht,
dein Gnadenfeuer hat entfacht.
Du bist der Tröster, der uns heilt,
die Gottesgnad’, die in uns weilt.
Mit Lieb’ und Freude du uns speist
und Himmels Salbung uns erweist.
Aus deinem Quell strömt Lieb’ und Freud,
Sanftmut, Geduld und Freundlichkeit.
Wahrhaftigkeit ins Herz uns senk,
mit Weisheit unsre Schritte lenk.
Erhelle unsern dunklen Sinn,
weis uns auf unsre Schwächen hin.
Mit deiner Gnade steh uns bei,
dass schlüssig unser Leben sei.
Copyright © 2015 Bertram Kottmann
Used with permission
An interpretation from the English: "Come, Holy Ghost," from A New Version of the Psalms of David: Fitted to the Tunes Used in Churches, by Nicholas Brady, Nahum Tate, Clarendon, Oxford, 1815. Kottmann's text is also titled Gebet um Geist, though I chose the first words to title this well-known text, is also to be found at the LiederNet Archive
.
6 page, circa 3' 30"
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Ein Licht -
Text of Bertram Kottmann
Hallelujah.
Wenn auch zu manchen Zeiten
der Horizont nicht gänzlich blaut -
man sollte weiterschreiten,
solange man ein Licht erschaut.Hallelujah.
German Text
Copyright © 2015 Bertram Kottmann
Used with permission
1 page, circa 1' 00"
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Text of Rainer Maria Rilke
from Das Buch der Bilder (1902)
SSATBB a cappella (optional accompaniment)
Herr, es ist Zeit. Der Sommer war sehr groß.
Leg deinen Schatten auf die Sonnenuhren,
und auf den Fluren lass die Winde los.
Befiehl den letzten Früchten, voll zu sein;
gib ihnen noch zwei südlichere Tage,
dränge sie zur Vollendung hin, und jage
die letzte Süße in den schweren Wein.
Wer jetzt kein Haus hat, baut sich keines mehr.
Wer jetzt allein ist, wird es lange bleiben,
wird wachen, lesen, lange Briefe schreiben
und wird in den Alleen hin und her
unruhig wandern, wenn die Blätter treiben.
5 pages, circa 3' 45"
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Kein Ros’ von solcher Tugend ist
Text of Bertram Kottmann, after an anonymous English carol from the 15th century.
Kein Ros’ von solcher Tugend ist
wie die, die trug den Herre Christ;
Halleluja.There is no rose of swich vertu
As is the rose that bare Jhesu.
Alleluia,
Denn in ihr werden uns gewahr
Himmel und Erde wunderbar.
Welch Wunderwerk.For in this rose conteined was
Hevene and erthe in litel space,
Res miranda.
In dieser Ros’ erwiesen sei
die Gottheit in Personen drei;
in gleicher Form.Be that rose we may weel see
There be o God in persones three,
Pares forma.
Die Engel sangen den Hirten zu:
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Lasst uns erfreu’n.The aungeles sungen the schepherdes to
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gaudeamus.
Irdische Freude bleib uns fern
wir freu’n uns der Geburt des Herrn.
Lasset uns zieh’n.Leve we all this werdly merthe,
And folwe we this joyful berthe.
Transeamus.German Text
Copyright © 2014 Bertram Kottmann
Used with permission
[ 3 pages, circa 2' 10" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Kein Ros' von solcher Tugend ist
Proverbs 3, 1-6
Soprano solo, SATB and organ
1 ....forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck;write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.[ 4 pages, circa 3' 40" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Deep Peace
Old Gaelic prayer - anonymousSATB & piano
Deep peace of the running waves to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth,
Deep peace, deep peace.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the watching shepherds too,
Deep peace of the Son of peace,
Deep peace, deep peace. Peace.[ 2 pages, circa 1' 45" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
God in me - (2009)
From the Carmina Gadelica, as translated by Alexander Carmichael (1832–1912)
SATB and piano
God to enfold me,
God to surround me,
God in my speaking,
God in my thinking.
God in my sleeping,
God in my waking,
God in my watching,
God in my hoping.
God in my life,
God in my lips,
God in my soul,
God in my heart.
God in my sufficing,
God in my slumber,
God in mine ever-living soul,
God in mine eternity.
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Five Carolina Low Country Spirituals - (2009)
Gullah lyrics collected between 1922 and 1931 by the Society for the Preservation of Spirituals, Charleston, South Carolina
SATB and piano
i. Fault Een Me - 6 pages - circa 2' 00"
Oh duh fault een me, eh Lawd,
En duh fault een me, en Lawd,
Jonah cry out, "Eh Lawd,
Duh fault een me."
Oh duh people een duh chu'ch, eh Lawd,
En dey didn't do right, en Lawd,
Jonah cry out, "Eh Lawd,
Duh fault een me."
Jonah went tuh duh sea, eh Lawd,
En duh sea was dry, en Lawd,
Jonah cry out, "Eh Lawd,
Duh fault een me."
Cas' Jonah obuhboad, eh Lawd,
W'ale swalluh Jonah, en Lawd,
Jonah cry out, "Eh Lawd,
Duh fault een me."
W'ale spew ole Jonah, eh Lawd,
On Nineweh sho', en Lawd,
Jonah cry out, "Eh Lawd,
Duh fault een me."
ii. Eb'rybody Who Is Libin' Got Tuh Die - 6 pages - circa 3' 00"
Eb'ry body who is libin' got tuh die, die,
Eb'ry body who is libin' got tuh die, die,
Duh rich en duh po', duh great en duh small,
All got tuh meet at duh jedgement hall,
Eb'ry body who is libin' got tuh die, die.
Eb'ry liah who is libin' got tuh die, die,
Eb'ry deacon who is libin' got tuh die, die,
Duh n'yung en duh ole, duh short en duh tall,
All got tuh meet at duh jedgement hall,
Eb'ry body who is libin' got tuh die, die.
All got tuh meet at duh jedgement hall,
Eb'ry body who is libin' got tuh die.
iii. Anyhow - 6 pages - circa 3' 00"
Anyhow,
Anyhow,
Anyhow my Lawd,
At duh cross, wey 'e die,
I gwine tuh heben anyhow.
You kin 'buke me
You kn 'cuse me
Anyhow my Lawd,
At duh cross, wey 'e die,
I gwine tuh heben anyhow.
You kin scol' me,
You kin scorn me,
Anyhow my Lawd,
At duh cross, wey 'e die,
I gwine tuh heben anyhow.
On duh mounting,
Een duh walley,
Anyhow my Lawd,
At duh cross, wey 'e die,
I gwine tuh heben anyhow.
iv. Face duh Risin' Sun - 7 pages - circa 3' 20"
We will all sing tuhgedduh on dat day,
We will all sing tuhgedduh on dat day,
En I'll fall upon muh knees
En face duh risin' sun,
Oh Lawd, hab mussy on me.
We will drink wine tuhgedduh on dat day,
We will drink wine tuhgedduh on dat day,
En I'll fall upon muh knees
En face duh risin' sun,
Oh Lawd, hab mussy on me.
We will eat bread tuhgedduh on dat day,
We will eat bread tuhgedduh on dat day,
En I'll fall upon muh knees
En face duh risin' sun,
Oh Lawd, hab mussy on me.
We will all pray tuhgedduh on dat day,
We will all pray tuhgedduh on dat day,
En I'll fall upon muh knees
En face duh risin' sun,
Oh Lawd, hab mussy on me.
v. Shout Jubalee - 9 pages - circa 3' 15"
My Lawd call me, I mus' go,
My Lawd call me, I mus' go,
Some gwine bury een duh grabeya'ad,
En some gwine bury een duh sea,
Git up een duh mawnin' 'fo' day,
I gwine tuh shout Jubalee.
Satan got uh i'on shoes,
Satan got uh i'on shoes,
Some gwine bury een duh grabeya'ad,
En some gwine bury een duh sea,
Git up een duh mawnin' 'fo' day,
I gwine tuh shout Jubalee.
My Lawd call me on my knees,
My Lawd call me on my knees,
Some gwine bury een duh grabeya'ad,
En some gwine bury een duh sea,
Git up een duh mawnin' 'fo' day,
I gwine tuh shout Jubalee.
Fiah een duh eas', en fiah een duh wes',
Fiah een duh eas', en fiah een duh wes',
Some gwine bury een duh grabeya'ad,
En some gwine bury een duh sea,
Git up een duh mawnin' 'fo' day,
I gwine tuh shout Jubalee.
Shout Jubalee!
The texts are Gullah lyrics "collected in the Carolina Low Country between 1922 and 1931 by the Society for the Preservation of Spirituals (Spiritual Society)." The preface to the first collection of these texts considered in the publication as folk material in the public domain, published in 1931, states, "the prime object in writing them here has been to record them as nearly as possible in the form in which they are sung at their source." A later edition notes "Many composers have produced four part arrangements of spirituals for choruses and solos accompanied by piano." My settings are in fact among these, then, and yet I though to use the Gullah lyrics as preserved as texts rather than update them as others have done. The originals in fact had "no instrumental accompaniments and there were but two basic parts -- leader and congregation." In fact during the summer of 1934, George Gerswhin attended a Society meeting to hear the group singing, and the Society publication further notes "members took him to hear local congregations." Field recordings of these local congregations and the Society's work were encouraged by Archive of American Folk Song in the Library of Congress. The texts themselves rely on Gullah spelling as found in Ambrose Gonzalez' "Black Border" (Columbia, S.C, The State Company, 1922).
The text, Spirituals of the Carolina Low Country (2004), is available with recordings of the original melodies at the Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture, College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424.
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Five Carolina Low Country Spirituals
Lead gently, Lord - (2009)
Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906), originally titled "A Hymn" (SATB and organ)
Lead gently, Lord, and slow,
For oh, my steps are weak,
And ever as I go,
Some soothing sentence speak;
That I may turn my face
Through doubt’s obscurity
Toward thine abiding place,
E’en tho’ I cannot see.
For lo, the way is dark;
Through mist and cloud I grope,
Save for that fitful spark,
The little flame of hope.
Lead gently, Lord, and slow,
For fear that I may fall;
I know not where to go
Unless I hear thy call.
My fainting soul doth yearn
For thy green hills afar;
So let thy mercy burn—
My greater, guiding star![ 6 pages, circa 3' 25" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Solo in sua voluntate - (2008)
After a short Italian text by Dante Alighieri and a Latin text (SATB and organ)
Solo in sua voluntate è nostra pace.
Only in your will is our peace.
Dona nobis pacem.
Give us peace.
[ 2 pages, circa 1' 45" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Honey in duh rock - (2008)
Adapted from a traditional Edisto Island spiritual text (SATB and piano)
Honey in duh rock / For to feed God's chillun.
Honey in duh rock. / Honey in duh rock. / Honey in duh rock.
Honey in duh rock / For to feed God's chillun. / Feed every chil' of Grace.
Honey in duh rock / Honey in duh rock / Honey in duh rock
Honey.
O Love in duh rock / For to feed God's chillun.
Love in duh rock. / Love in duh rock. / Love in duh rock.
O Love in duh rock / For to feed God's chillun. / Feed every chil' of Grace.
Love in duh rock. / Love in duh rock. / Love in duh rock.
Honey. O Love.
Faith in duh rock / For to feed God's chillun.
Faith in duh rock. / Faith in duh rock. / Faith in duh rock.
Faith in duh rock / For to feed God's chillun. / Feed every chil' of Grace.
Faith in duh rock. / Faith in duh rock. / Faith in duh rock.
Honey. Love. Honey in duh rock.[ 8 pages, circa 1' 45" ]
Of a different version of this text, "Honey in duh Rock," Nell Graydon writes, "I went to see six of the oldest colored people on Edisto before I was able to find anyone who remembered it. One, a colored minister, who had passed his ninety-first birthday said, 'Missus, I'se got dat song on muh mouth but I jist cannuh remember it.'" Tales of Edisto, 1955, Sandlapper Publishing, Orangeburg, South Carolina. As the text is preserved, but not a melody which I could find to arrange, I chose to write a setting of the text anew. Graydon commented, "It is almost impossible to get the words to many of the songs because they are 'make-up songs,' improvised each time they are sung."
The original citation comes from Psalm 81:16 -- "...and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee."
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
The Gate of Heaven - (2007)
Adapted from Genesis 28: 12, 15-17 (SATB and organ)
Behold, I am with thee.
Behold the angels of the God.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
This is the house of God.
This is the gate of heaven.
Behold! The house of God.
Behold! The gate of heaven.
The presence of the Lord.
[ 8 pages, circa 3' 00"]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Lead Me - (2007)
Mother Teresa (1910-1997) (SATB and reduction for optional accompaniment)
Lead me from death to life.
From lie to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope.
From fear to trust.
Lead me from hatred to love.
From war to peace.
May peace fill our hearts, our world, and our universe,
peace, peace, peace.
[ 2 pages, 1' 10" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Yours is the day, O God - (2006)
Collect for Day / Psalm 74: 15, 16 - (SATB a cappella)
Yours is the day, O God,
yours also is the night, O God.
You established the moon and the sun.
You fixed all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter.
Moon and the sun.
Yours is the day, O God.[ 3 pages, circa 1' 25"]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Lord, It Is Night - (2006)
Collect for Night / Book of Common Prayer - (SATB a cappella)
Lord, it is night.
The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.
It is night after after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done; let it be.
The night is dark.
Let our fears of darkness, fear of our own lives rest in you.
The night is quiet.
The night is for stillness.
Let quiet peace enfold us, all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.
The night heralds the dawn.
Expectantly look to a new day, new joys, new possibilities.
In your name we pray. Amen.[ 6 pages, circa 2' 45" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Venite - (2003)
Psalm 95:1-7 (English language text) (SATB, piano and organ)
Come, let us sing to the Lord;
Let us shout with joy to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving,
And raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great god,
And a great king above all gods.
In his hands are the caverns of the earth,
And the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
And his hands have molded the dry land.
Come , let us bow down and bend the knee,
And kneel before the Lord our maker,
For he is our God.
We are the people of his pasture,
And the sheep of his hand.
Oh, that today you would harken to his voice.
[ circa 3' 00", 10 pages ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
The One God, Praise - (2001)
Gary Bachlund (Baritone solo, SATB divisi, bells and organ)
One God speaks.
One God speaks in the leaving falls
and in the budding springs.
One God speaks in immensities,
and in the little things.
One God speaks in the still, small voice,
and in our every daily choice.
We celebrate this One;
the one God, praise.
Stand before the one God without pretence;
there is no place to hide.
Know of the One before whom we stand,
and in God's mystery abide.
This one God, praise.
The hand of God stirs heavens round
and sets the stars to flame.
The mind of God, where we are found,
knows every child by name.
The heart of God, where Love is crowned,
will shoulder every shame.
This one God, praise.
The word of God, in sweeping sound,
God's glory does proclaim.
The song of God in parts in wound
and spun in music's frame.
The praise of God will long resound;
to know God's joy, its aim.
The mystery of God is one;
We celebrate this mystery
with words and songs and praise.
With all our simple, human ways,
we celebrate this One.
The one God, praise.
Know before whom we stand,
for God is great, and God is good.
The one God, praise.Text by the composer, 3 XI 1995, Kaiserslautern
[ 17 pages, circa 7' 00" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
[ MP3 file, duration of 7' 06" ]
Performed by the All Saints Church adult and children's choirs, Thomas Burns, baritone, directed by by James Walker
Copyright © 2000 by Gary Bachlund All international rights reserved.
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis - (1999)
English language texts as used at All Saints Church (SATB and organ)
Magnificat (Luke 1.46-55)
"My soul magnifies the Most High,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
who has looked with favor on the lowliness of God's servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is God's name.
God's mercy is for those who revere God
from generation to generation.
God has shown strength with God's arm,
and has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
God has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
God has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
God has helped God's servant Israel,
in remembrance of God's mercy,
according to the promise God made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and Sarah and to their descendants forever."
Glory to the Creator, and to the Christ,
and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2.29-32)
"Sovereign God, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
Glory to the Creator, and to the Christ,
and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Seek Him - (1999)
Amos 5:8 (SATB and organ)
Seek Him.
Seek Him who made the Pleiades and Orion,
and turns deep darkness into the morning,
and darkens the day into night;
Who calls for the waters of the sea,
and pours them out upon the surface of the earth.
The Lord is His name.
[ 5 pages, circa 3' 00" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
To Call Thee Love - (1999)
Gerard Manley Hopkins (SATB and organ)
Let me be to Thee as the circling bird,
Or bat with tender and air-crisping wings
That shapes in half-light his departing rings,
From both of whom a changeless note is heard.
I have found my music in a common word,
Trying each pleasurable throat that sings
And every praiséd sequence of sweet strings,
And know infallibly which I preferred.
The authentic cadence was discovered late
Which ends those only strains that I approve,
And other science all gone out of date
And minor sweetness scarce made mention of:
I have found the dominant of my range and state -
Love, O my God, to call Thee Love and Love.[ 5 pages, circa 2' 15" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Psalm 16 - (1998)
Rhymed paraphrase by Gary Bachlund (SATB and organ)
God, the Almighty, preserve me from harm;
shelter and refuge, the shield of Your arm.
You are life's Master without whom I fall;
I shall answer when You call.
Holy and mighty and Lord of this earth,
You fill this day with its wonder and worth.
Guide my steps, as You guidecreatures great and small.
Guide me.
Pleasant my portion which comes by Your grace;
shining the presence and light of Your face.
Counsel and wisdom and love at my side,
ever in You I abide.
Therefore my heart and my soul shall rejoice;
praises I fashion with art and with voice.
Guide my path, guide mefrom morn to eventide.
Guide me evermore.[ 5 pages, circa 3' 45" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
A Book of Anthems - (1998)
(SATB and organ)
i. Bless This Child -Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer 1979
Bless this child and keep him (her) far from harm.
Preserve his (her) newborn life, with growth in faith and knowledge.
Increase his (her) faith.
And bless these, the parents of this child.
Bless them, the guardians of God's love.
ii. This Child We Dedicate -Adapted from the Union Hymnal 1948
O Lord, this child we dedicate to You, God of grace and purity.
Shield him (her), Lord, from sin and shame.
Lord, may truth and virtue come to him (her).
Gently draw a willing soul close to Your ways.
God of virtue, guard this child, Lord.
Lord, this child we dedicate to You, God of love.
iii. The Covenant -adapted from The Book of Common Prayer 1979
Renew in these Your servants the covenant which you made,
And send them forth with joy and peace and love to serve as you ordain. Amen.
iv. Wisdom and Devotion -Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer 1979
Wisdom and devotion, grant them wisdom and devotion, in the ordering of two lives,
That each may be a strength, a counselor and comforter.
Each companion sharing joy, ordering one common life together.
One life and one love in one common life as one love.
v. Thou and I -Excerpt from "The Anniversary, John Donne (1572-1631)
When Thou and I first one another saw:
All other things to their destruction draw,
Only our love hath no decay.
All kings and all their favorites,
All glory of honours, beauties, wits,
The sun itself, which makes time, as they pass,
Is elder by a year, than it was when Thou and I first one another saw.
This no morrow hath, nor yesterday, but truly keeps his first, last, everlasting day.
vi. In the Shelter of the Most High -Psalm 91:1 & 11
You, you who live in the shelter of the Most High,
You, you who would lodge under in the shadow of the Almighty,
Who say, "The Lord is my safe retreat."
He, he will give His angels charge over you.
vii. At Our Last Hour -from The Book of Common Prayer 1979
In the midst of life, we are in death;
Of whom may we seek for succor, but of Thee, Lord,
Who for our sins art justly displeased?
Yet, O Lord, most holy, O Lord most mighty,
O holy and most merciful Savior.
Deliver us not to the bitter pain of eternal death.
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts.
Shut not Thy merciful ears to our prayer;
But spare us, Lord, most holy, God most mighty,
O holy and merciful Savior,
Thou most worthy Judge eternal.
Suffer us not, at our last hour, through any pain of death,
To fall from Thee. Amen.
viii. My Rock and My Redeemer -Paraphrase of the Amida (Traditional Siddur)
May my prayers speak from my heart.
May deep wisdom joy impart.
May my words truly worthy be,
God, my Rock, Redeemer mine.
May the Author of great peace
Grant us joy, and love increase.
May He send to us His greatest peace.
God's greatest peace and love. Amen.
NOTE These little anthems were written to celebrate the events in the cycles of life, from birth to confirmation in a community, from wedding to anniversary, in times of need and at the time of death. The texts are adapted from The Book of Common Prayer (1979), the Union Hymnal (1948), the traditional Jewish prayer book (Siddur) and excerpted from John Donne's poem, "The Anniversary." Their ecumenical theme allows their suitability to many purposes. The scores are generally under-marked with dynamic shadings and tempo variation, to allow for individual interpretations and tastes. GB/98
Blessed Are You - (1996) (Beatitudes)
(Mezzo soprano solo, SATB divisi choir a cappella)
Blessed are you.
Blessed are the poor, the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the dominion of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, theirs is the dominion of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and utter all kinds of evil against you.
Rejoice! Be glad!
Great is your reward in heaven. Amen.
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Sweet Sung Praises - (1996)
Gary Bachlund (Treble voices divisi)
In the high and holy place, God's bright angels dwell.
There, amid bright heaven's grace, sweet sung praises swell.
Psalms and prayers and antiphons fill those mansions in the sky.
Lauding goodly benisons as God's praises multiply.
Give God praise, many ways.
Magnify and glorify God, from whom all blessings flow.
With the seraphim that cry, may we make God's praises grow.
Give God praise through our days.
Worship and adore, now and evermore.
Sacrifices of the heart, angels, saints and martyrs sing.
Worship is the highest art in the presence of the King.
Give God praise. Worship and adore, now and evermore.
In that gentle, holy place, God's fair children dwell.
There, amid His children's grace, sweet sung praises swell. Amen.[ 2 pages, circa 2' 00" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Performed by the Harvard Choral Scholars, directed by by Carson Cooman
Prayer to the Healing God - (1995)
Text adapted from "Episcopal Church HIV/AIDS Resources" (Unison and divisi choir and organ)
May we grow in the knowledge of the consolation of Your love.
May we grow in the consolation of Your love, the knowledge of Your love.
Healing God, in the midst of this gathering of your people,
Healing God, let Your love transform our lives.
May our anger give way to peace,
and despair give way to hope,
and sorrow, joy!
In the midst of pain and death, let us cast our cares on You.
Find life in Your life!
Healing God, let Your love transform our lives.[ 6 pages, circa 4' 20" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Dying, Behold We Live - (1995)
Text after words of Clarke Oler (Two Equal SATB choirs and organ)
Dying, behold we live.
We live in love.
We live with grief and with loss.
The mysteries of our life and love.
We live by bearing with grief and with loss.
In dying, behold the mysteries of our life and our love.
We live in love. Amen.[ 5 pages, circa 3' 15" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Blessed Be The Children - (1995)
Text adapted from a responsorial, based on the Br'it Milah and used at All Saints Church's Sanctuary for Children Celebration
(Soprano solo, SATB divisi and organ)
In every birth, God's gift is life; blessed be the gift of life.
In every child, God's gift is love; blessed be the love.
Blessed be the children, renewing the circle of the family.
Blessed is their love; blessed is the God of love.
Blessed be God!
In every birth, blessed be the wonder of life.
Blessed are our children, fulfilling the promise of new being.
Blessed is each life; blessed is the gift of life.
Blessed be God; our God!
Children bring love to life.
Children bring life.
In each child, a beginning.
There lies hope.
In each hope, there lies wonder.
Wonder at God's blessings!
Blessed be all children;
Blessed the children, the children of God.
Twelve Psalm Verses - (1995)
(SATB divisi a cappella)
i. I Thank Thee, O God - Psalm 9:1-3 (SATB)
With all my heart, I thank Thee, O God; I'll tell Thy deeds of wonder. Sing praise to God, O God most high. I will be glad. I will exult in Thee and praise Thy Name, O most high.
ii. Keep Me, O God - Psalm 16:1-2,9,11 (SSATBB)
Keep me, O God, for I have taken refuge in Thee. I have said unto the Lord, "Thou art my Lord." Therefore my heart is glad. Glory rejoiceth. I dwell in safety. Thou makest me to know the path of life. In Thy presence is joy. In Thy right hand is bliss forevermore.
iii. The Law of the Lord - Psalm 19:8-9,15 (SATB)
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the heart. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto Thee, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
iv. The Lord is My Shepherd - Psalm 23:1-6 (SATB)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul. He guideth me in straight paths for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table in the presence of my foes. Thou hast my head anointed; my cup runneth o'er. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forevermore.
v. Rejoice in the Lord - Psalm 33:1-4 (SATB)
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is comely for the upright. Give thanks unto the Lord with harp, sing praises unto Him with the psaltery of ten strings. Sing unto Him a new song. Play for Him skillfully. Play amidst the shouts of joy. For the word of the Lord is upright. All His work is done in faithfulness.
vi. As The Hart Panteth - Psalm 42:2-3,9 (SATB)
As the hart panteth after waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? By day the Lord will command His loving kindness, and in the night His song shall be with me. Even a prayer unto the God of my life.
vii. Be Gracious Unto Me, O God - Psalm 51:3-4 (SATB)
Be gracious unto me, O God, according to Thy mercy; according to the multitude of Thy compassions, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.
viii. Hear My Cry, O God - Psalm 61:2-5 (SSATBB)
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I call unto Thee when my heart fainteth. Lead me to a rock that is too high for me, for Thou hast been a refuge for me. A tower of strength in the face of the enemy. I will dwell in Thy tent forever. And take refuge in the covert of Thy wings. Selah.
ix. God Be Gracious Unto Us - Psalm 67:2-3 ( SATB )
God be gracious unto us; God bless us and cause Thy face to shine on us. Selah. That Thy way on earth may be known; Thy salvation among all nations. O let the peoples praise Thee; let all the peoples give Thee thanks. May Go bless all they that fear Him.
x. I Will Lift Up My Voice - Psalm 77:2-4 (SATB)
Cry! I will lift up my voice unto God and cry! I will lift up my voice unto God, that He may give ear unto me, in the day of my trouble I seek the Lord. With my hand uplifted, mine eyes streameth in the night without ceasing. My soul refuseth to be comforted. When I think thereon, O God, I moan. When I muse thereon, O God, my soul fainteth. Selah.
xi. Incline Thine Ear, O Lord - Psalm 86:1-4 (SATB)
Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and answer when I call; for I am poor and needy. Keep my soul, for I am godly. O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee. Be gracious unto me, O Lord. For unto Thee I cry all day. Rejoice the soul of Thy servant; for unto Thee do I lift up my soul.
xii. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks - Psalm 92:1-2,5-6 (SATB)
It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord. It is good to give Him thanks and praise. And to sing praises unto Thy holy Name. To declare Thy loving kindness in the morning, Thy faithfulness throughout the night. How great are Thy works, O Lord. I will exult in Thy works, O Lord. I will sing praises to Thy Name, O Lord, most high God. Sing praises day and night.
Gentle God - (1995)
Text adapted by the composer from "Hear Their Cry," a Children's Defense Fund Publication (SATB divisi a cappella)
Gentle God, let us see your face in the faces of Your children.
Gentle God, help us to shape the future.
Protect the bright promise You open before us.
Gentle God, we pray. Amen.[ 4 pages, circa 1' 45" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
Requiem for the Victims of AIDS - (1991)
(Gary Bachlund) for soli, SATB divisi and chamber orchestra (harp, piano, percussion & strings)
Texts from the the Book of Job, the Latin Mass for the Dead, and original poems and texts by the composer.
Read the entire libretto and associated readings
Three Whitman Choruses - (1986)
Walt Whitman (SATB a cappella)
i. Darest Thou, O My Soul
Darest thou now O soul,
Walk out with me toward the unknown region,
Where neither ground is for the feet nor any path to follow?
No map is there, nor guide, nor voice sounding,
Nor hand, nor face with blooming flesh,
Nor lips, nor eyes, are in that land.
I know it not O soul, nor dost thou.
All is blank before us, all waits undream'd of in that region,
That inaccessible land.
Till when the ties loosen, all but the ties eternal,
Time and Space, nor darkness, gravitation, sense,
Nor any bounds bounding us.
Then we burst forth, we float,
In Time and Space O soul, prepared for them, equal
Equipt at last (O joy! O fruit of all!) them to fulfill O soul.
ii. A Clear Midnight
This is thy hour O soul, thy free flight into the wordless,
Away from books, away from art, the day erased, the lesson done,
Thee fully forth emerging, silent, gazing, pondering the themes thou lovest best,
Night, sleep, death and the stars.
iii. As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing
As I watch'd the ploughman ploughing,
Or the sower sowing, or the harvester harvesting,
I saw there too, O life and death, your analogies;
(Life, life is the tillage, and Death is the harvest according.)
Essays on Peace - (1984)
Compiled from from rabbinic sources by the composer
(SATB and chamber ensemble)
Yihyu l'ratzon - (1978)
Psalm 19:15 - (SATB a cappella)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
V'shamru - (1978)
Text from the traditional Siddur - (Tenor solo, SATB and organ)
V'shamru v'nei Yisraeil et haShabat.
La'asot et haShabat l'dorotom b'rit olam.
B'nei uvein b'nie Yisraeil ot hi l'olam.
Ki sheishet yamin asa Adonai et hashamayimv'et ha'aretz.
Uvayom hashvi'i shavat vayinafash.[ 5 pages, circa 2' 30" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
If ye love me, keep my commandments - (1971)
John 14:15-17 (SATB a cappella)
If ye love me, keep my commandments,
And I will pray the Father; and he will send you another comforter,
That he may abide with you, e'en the spirit of truth. Amen.[ 2 pages, circa 1' 45" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
If ye love me, keep my commandments
David's Song - (1968)
Psalm 9:1-3 (SATB divisi a cappella)
I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will speak of His marvelous works.
I will be glad and will rejoice in Thee;
Yea, my songs will I make to Thy Name, O Thou most Highest!
While mine enemies are driven back,
They shall fall and perish, at Thy Presence.
I will give thanks that Thou hast rebuked the heathen.
Thou hast put out their name forever!
Alleluia![ 5 pages, circa 2' 00" ]
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
The Virgin's Cradle Hymn - (1968)
Anonymous 16th century (SAT a cappella)
The Silver Swan - (1966)
Anonymous 1612 (SATB a cappella)
The silver swan, who living had no note,
When death approached,
Unlocked her silent throat;
Leaning her head against the reedy shore,
Thus sung her first and last, and sung no more;
Farewell, all joys, O death, come close my eyes;
More geese than swans now live,
more fools than wise.The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this choral score.
