Worse than any fear is being alone when experiencing it. But in love, there is an awareness that transcends scientific explanation. ...A connection so strong that it permeates seemingly impossible barriers. So, when we know someone we love is afraid, we long to comfort them in any way we can. We hope and pray that even in their hour of greatest difficulty or isolation, we can somehow reach out to them...If only to say, "My Love, you are not alone."

The male and female voices of the choir tell the story from their own points of view, but gradually emerge together in each other's comforting presence. From moments of despair to the final moments of peace, the rich warmth of the 8-part chorus beautifully reveals the tenderness of love and the power of hope and peace it can provide.

Approx. 5'18" in length.

There seems to be a lot of interest in this piece in terms of listens, so I realized I had better include how to get the score!

PURCHASE THE CHORAL SCORE:  http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/you-are-not-alone-satb-divisi-digital-sheet-music/20127215

There are a couple of MIDI versions of this piece, one on choral Ahhs, and the other using synth strings.  More and more, I find that the synth strings actually do a better job of representing the intended choral texture, legato and blend.

You Are Not Alone (string example)

MIDI representation only.  This sample is the SSAA, Piano and Bb Trumpet version.

Also available as:  SSAA, Chamber Strings, Trumpet  (both version included with chamber string version)

"Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace"

Prayer of Saint Francis features poetry attributed to 13th Century Monk, St Francis of Assisi, Italy.  The poem was originally discovered in the early 1900s printed on a small card featuring a picture of St. Francis.  However, no claim was ever made that St Francis himself composed the prayer.  Some believe it was written in France, during World War I, perhaps by a Catholic Priest.  The first known appearance of the "Peace Prayer of St. Francis" was in 1912 AD when it was published in the French magazine La Clochette. Though attributed to Saint Francis many centuries after his death, Saint Francis' great devotion to God is beautifully echoed in this poem, as much a work of art, as a humble prayer. 

This powerful setting of the Prayer of St Francis reflects a deeply intimate relationship between St Francis and the Lord, illustrating the internal conflict of God's Will versus man's.  On his knees in prayer, hands folded, eyes closed, face turned away from the heavens... he asks so humbly to give what he cannot himself completely offer...  The unconditional, perfect love of Christ.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Prayer of Saint Francis was originally written for children's chorus, but could easily accommodate women's or boy's choir.

Difficulty: Moderate

Approx. 4 minutes in length

SCORE SAMPLE and purchase links HERE:

http://satbpiano.payloadz.com/details/44090-music-classical-prayer-of-saint-francis-ssaa-chamber-strings-trumpet.html

http://satbpiano.payloadz.com/details/44118-music-classical-prayer-of-st-francis-ssaa-piano-trumpet.html


Prayer of Saint Francis (SSAA, Piano and Bb Trumpet)

A great arrangement of Bach's Prelude No. 1 in C for flute and guitar.  Great for a recital or any occasion really!

Bach's Prelude No 1 In C for Flute and Guitar (Excerpts)

"Shenandoah" is among one of the most beloved and well known American folk songs.  In this version, the subject of the voyager's song is that of his beloved homeland in Virginia, its natural beauty, and the deep, emotional connection to a land that continues to call him home.

This unique and memorable arrangement is great for any size choir.  It captures many colors and textures, representing not only the varying, beautiful landscapes and river scenes of the Shenandoah valley, but also the emotional turmoil of being separated from the places and loved ones left behind by the traveler.  

Shenandoah - Farewell, My Homeland

All the World in Silence and Joy is a celebration of some of the most well-known and beloved Christmas songs sung throughout the world each Christmas season. The intent was to create an arrangement that captured the hope and joy of the season with a distinct style and atmosphere for each individual song while remaining firmly rooted in the original versions of each.

All the World begins quietly, in the still of the night, as people from around the world begin to sing, imagining the joy and wonder at the miracle that centuries ago was about to occur in a lowly manger under the stars. As the piece progresses, we hear several perspectives on the events occurring, from wonder and proclamation of Christ’s birth to the joy and celebration of the gift He brings to the world. For a brief moment toward the end, the listener is reminded why a Savior was sent for the people of the world.

All the World in Silence and Joy

All The World in Silence and Joy

Tango del Momento, while not strictly a tango in all aspects of form, is still meant to evoke the dance and its associated musical style, employing numerous elements and rhythms of the Argentine tango. Notably, this setting does not employ the standard instrumentation of a tango ensemble known as the orquesta típica, which includes at least two violins, flute, piano, double bass, and at least two bandoneóns (the essential accordion-like instrument used in most tango ensembles). Instead it uses the piano LH to mimic the bass, the piano RH to provide a counter melody, and the choir to act as not only the narration for the text, but to play the part of the bandoneón.

This interpretation was inspired and shaped directly by the poetry, a vivid description of the brief interaction of two people who feel a spark of attraction and energy all within a few passing moments, as though suspended briefly in time.

Tango del Momento

Psalm 100 KJV

Make a Joyful Noise

Premiered in October of 2017 by the combined forces of the Omaha Symphonic Chorus and the Nebraska Wind Symphony!  

This is a virtual orchestration, but the real recording will be posted when I get a copy of it.

PROGRAM NOTES
Nebraska, My Heartland was written to not only celebrate 150 years of Nebraskan history, but to express my own gratitude for all that the Midwestern way of life has to offer.  It celebrates the natural beauty of the Sandhills, prairies, forests, and bluffs, along with the strength of its people, its flourishing family friendly communities, and its deep and rich traditions in the arts.  I have lived near mountains, near oceans, and visited some of the most beautiful places in the world, but none of those places have ever felt as much like home as Nebraska.  

Nebraska, My Heartland incorporates the poetry of both Willa Cather, the famous Nebraskan poet and writer who helped the rest of America gain an appreciation for the pioneer life, and Veronica Torraca-Bragdon, a contemporary poet and friend whose heart will always belong to Nebraska.  Cather’s poem, “Prairie Spring” was chosen because it vividly portrays the struggles of the pioneers who originally settled here, yet juxtaposes this struggle with youthful determination, and the optimism and enthusiasm brought about by hope.  Veronica’s poem, titled “Nebraska,” is the centerpiece for the fanfare and celebration of a state that abounds with success in all of the ways that make Nebraska a great place to live.  

The music begins as the sun is about to rise and burst forth with the promise of a new day.  It speaks of Nebraska’s natural beauty and landscapes while the sweet song of the Western Meadowlark, our state bird, drifts on the wind.   Next, the changing seasons and thriving spirit of Nebraska’s people are portrayed with an energetic, youthful melody leading into a celebratory sesquicentennial fanfare.  But as the seasons change, the listener is reminded that to thrive is also to persevere, and soon a storm begins to loom.  First the rolling thunder, then the rain, and finally the full devastation of nature’s fury are realized by the combined forces of both ensembles.  Yet, as hope springs eternal, we are reminded again of the strength of the pioneer and the roots that keep us anchored against the storm.  Out of this resilience bursts forth a brilliant light signifying the future that is before us for this generation and the next, ending with words that summarize so eloquently how Nebraskans feel about their home: “With loving beauty, you’ll forever shine!”

Finally, this work is dedicated to the loving memory of my mother who passed away a year ago in September.  It was in no small way that she helped me create so many wonderful memories in Nebraska.

Nebraska

Nebraska - My Heartland

This is an easy-to-learn SATB a cappella setting of Loch Lomond.

"The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond", or simply "Loch Lomond" for short, is a well-known traditional Scottish song first published in 1841 in Vocal Melodies of Scotland.  The song prominently features Loch Lomond, the largest Scottish loch, located between the counties of Dunbartonshire and Stirlingshire. In Scotland, the song is often the final piece of music played during an evening of revelry (a dance party or dinner, etc.).

The original composer is unknown, as is definitive information on any traditional lyrics. The lyrics most commonly known are not the original, which was based on a Jacobite lament written after the Battle of Culloden. The second verse goes as: "As weel may I weep, O yet dreams in my sleep, / we stood bride and bridegroom together, / but his arms and his breath were as cold as the earth / and his heart's blood ran red in the heather."

There are many theories about the meaning of the song, most of which are connected to the Jacobite Uprising of 1745. 

This arrangement is based on what could be considered a combination of interpretations.  After the 1745 uprising, the Hanoverian British victors were known to play cruel games on the captured Highlander Jacobites, and would supposedly find a pair of either brothers or friends and tell them one could live and the other would be executed.  It was up to the pair to decide.

For this interpretation, the song is being sung by a soldier who chooses to die to save the life of his friend. But with that decision, his true sacrifice is revealed, as he will not only lose his life, but his true love as well.  Each of the main verses are sung to her.  However, his refrain then turns back toward his friend whom he reassures by reminding him that they will both go back to Scotland...That he (his soul) will go on the "low road" and get back to Scotland first, whereas his friend and brother-in-arms would take the high road home that linked London and Edinburgh upon his release.
 
The texture of this arrangement revolves around the concept of the traditional Loch Lomond melody being played or accompanied by Scottish bagpipes, which inherently provide a distinct and enchanting drone quality beneath the melody.  In order to retain this feature and create interest and contrast between the very similar verse and chorus, the bagpipe’s presence is primarily featured on each statement of the chorus.   

All historical information from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bonnie_Banks_o%27_Loch_Lomond.  The text is adapted from multiple sources. 

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond (SATB)

Hallelujah - For Those Who Fight For Freedom

My orders say we’re shippin’ out
We don’t have long now to talk about The hundred thousand ways I’m gonna’ miss ya’
When we told the kids I’d have to leave
Through tears, they tried to comfort me And my broken heart cried out a “Hallelujah!”

CHORUS: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

My boots sink in the desert sand
And all I want is to hold your hand And kiss you like the day I whispered to ya’
But reminding me as I left the gate
You said, “Freedom’s call, it can never wait” And you’d be right there when I came back runnin’ to ya’

CHORUS

Yesterday, lost another friend
Gettin’ tired; it’s harder to defend These children in the streets that come up to ya’
Their arms stretched out in desperate need
And all I can do is fight and bleed And say a pray’r and a broken Hallelujah! 

CHORUS X2

My darling, would you please sit down
And gather all the kids around? I got somethin’ that I really need to tell ya’
Daddy’s not gonna’ make it home;
I tried so hard, but your not alone, ‘Cause from way up here, I can see your Momma’s with ya’!

CHORUS X2

Hallelujah (Veterans Version)

Poet J. Roger Wilson, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, began writing at the age of fifteen. Encouraged early on by his grandmother and fellow poet, Gladys Proudman, he began his endeavor to share his joy in the Lord through the written word. Roger’s wife, Annette, and their relationship together with Christ have been the inspiration for many of Roger’s beautiful texts. Each of his works resounds with great joy and sincerity, and yet resonates with humble praise and thanksgiving for the blessings in his life. His thoughtful and lyric poetry seems to capture the inmost thoughts one often wishes to convey but can rarely find the words to express.

A powerful setting of love’s tranquility juxtaposed with an intense emotional and spiritual connection, Annette stirs the soul as one realizes the depth of intimacy shared between a husband and wife so profoundly in love. J. Roger Wilson’s Sonnet 1, the first of nineteen sonnets from a series entitled Sonnets For Annette, is an expression of the deep love he and his wife have shared for over 25 years. This musical setting of Sonnet 1 was composed as a gift for Roger and Annette’s 25th wedding anniversary at Roger’s request.

Roger’s other major works include Homage to the Lamb, Quest for the Crystal Kingdom, and Sonnets for Annette.

This eight-part a cappella work embodies the essence of the choral sound. From the most quiet to intense moments, Annette beautifully blends the voices of the choir, revealing the warmth and tenderness expressed by the text. Performers and audiences will share a great affection for this piece.

Annette was written in dedication to the deepest love that Roger and his wife, Annette, so obviously share with each other, and their strong faith in the Lord that makes this depth of love possible.

 

Sonnet I

Annette, thy gentle name appears
To rescue me from all my fears-
To comfort when life's trials sweep-
When sorrow causes eyes to weep.

Surely there can be no place
As lovely as thy warm embrace,
And comfort there can never be
When I at last must part from thee.

Yea, then I roam and find no peace.
I labor, toil but for to lease
Another moment at thy side
To Love and worship and confide.

Thou art mine helpmeet from
Above- A tutor of God's Truest Love!



Premiere: The Nebraska Choral Arts Society (NCAS) Masterworks Choir premiered this work for the Wilsons' 25th Wedding Anniversary. Roger and Annette were both present for the premiere.

Difficulty: Intermediate - A well-balanced choir of moderate size can perform this piece beautifully.

Approx. 5 minutes in length 

PURCHASE THE SCORE:  http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20129046

Annette SSAATTBB (a cappella)

SATB, unaccompanied

Fanfare Alleluia was premiered by the Nebraska Choral Arts Society Children's Chorus under the direction of Mr. Anthony Trecek-King, currently the Artistic Director of the Boston Children's Chorus. 

Fanfare is a fast-paced, rhythmic and spirited opener and processional. It will quickly become a favorite for just about any concert setting; something that can be quickly learned and performed when a little extra energy is needed.

Originally composed for SATB, Mr. Trecek-King had been requesting a piece for children's choir, thus the SSA version was born on a car ride back to Omaha.

Premiere: Bel Canto - of the Nebraska Children's Chorus (NCC), Nebraska Choral Arts Society (NCAS)

Difficulty: Moderate

Approx. 1 minute and 43 seconds in length

SCORE SAMPLE  and purchase link HERE:  http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20044309

Fanfare Alleluia SATB

MIDI representation only. 

SSAA, Baritone Solo, Percussion, Piano

Lift Every Voice and Sing! is a gospel swing arrangement of the original words (below) and music of James W. and John R. Johnson that were published at the very beginning of the 20th century.  The powerful, spiritual and deeply meaningful text and melody are widely known also as "The Black National Anthem."   It describes the struggle of a "dark past" but resounds with hope, faith and perseverance of a people who never wavered even against seemingly insurmountable odds.   Finally, Johnson's words remind us to never forget what we have learned from our past, an important lesson in any man's history.

Lift ev'ry voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring.
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise,
High as the list'ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chast'ning rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet,
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might,
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee,
Shadowed beneath thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.

Arrangement:  Gospel Swing

SA Range:  C to Bb above the staff (majority of range between Eb and F);

Baritone Range: C to Eb above the staff (majority of range between F and Eb above the staff)

Difficulty: Intermediate - A skilled trio and choir can pull this off wonderfully

Approx. 5 minutes and 22 seconds in length (incl. solo section w/ repeats)

Commissioned by the Boston Children's Chorus

SCORE SAMPLE and purchase link HERE: http://satbpiano.payloadz.com/details/202805-music-classical-lift-every-voice-and-sing-ssaa.html

Lift Every Voice and Sing!

MIDI representation only.  This sample is the SSAA, Chamber String and Bb Trumpet version.

Also available as:  SSAA, Piano, Trumpet  (included with chamber string version)

"Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace"

Prayer of Saint Francis features poetry attributed to 13th Century Monk, St Francis of Assisi, Italy.  The poem was originally discovered in the early 1900s printed on a small card featuring a picture of St. Francis.  However, no claim was ever made that St Francis himself composed the prayer.  Some believe it was written in France, during World War I, perhaps by a Catholic Priest.  The first known appearance of the "Peace Prayer of St. Francis" was in 1912 AD when it was published in the French magazine La Clochette. Though attributed to Saint Francis many centuries after his death, Saint Francis' great devotion to God is beautifully echoed in this poem, as much a work of art, as a humble prayer. 

This powerful setting of the Prayer of St Francis reflects a deeply intimate relationship between St Francis and the Lord, illustrating the internal conflict of God's Will versus man's.  On his knees in prayer, hands folded, eyes closed, face turned away from the heavens... he asks so humbly to give what he cannot himself completely offer...  The unconditional, perfect love of Christ.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Prayer of Saint Francis was originally written for children's chorus, but could easily accommodate women's or boy's choir.

Difficulty: Moderate

Approx. 4 minutes in length

SCORE SAMPLE and purchase links HERE:

PURCHASE THE SCORE:  Prayer of Saint Francis (SSAA, Chamber Strings and Bb Trumpet) http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20131988

PURCHASE THE SCORE:  Prayer of Saint Francis (SSAA, Piano and Bb Trumpet) http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20131989

Prayer of Saint Francis

SATB div., unaccompanied

Precious Child has enjoyed many performances by such ensembles as The William Baker Festival Singers of Kansas City, Grace University Chorale of Omaha, Nebraska, Heartland Harmony of Omaha, Nebraska, The Bellevue Choral Society, and combined members of the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Concert Choir and University Chorus.  Precious Child was also performed at the annual St Cecilia Cathedral concert by the University of Nebraska at Omaha Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Cina Crisara.  Additionally, this concert was broadcast on Nebraska Public Radio.

Precious Child is a unique portrayal of the nativity depicting Mary and Joseph rocking the baby Jesus to sleep as they struggle with the wonder of a helpless baby’s role in the salvation of mankind. It is at the same time a lullaby and a glorious reflection of Heaven’s musical rejoice at Christ’s birth.

Audiences and performers alike adore Precious Child. It is a charming and beautifully lyric original setting of the nativity.  The text is also original and will fit in wonderfully with any Christmas concert repertoire.  You may even find yourself singing the melody to your children as a lullaby after the concert.

TEXT:
Oh, my precious child, do you hear the angels singing? Alleluia to the Lord!
Fast to sleep, close your eyes, now lay down your head. Alleluia!

Oh, my precious child, do you know that you are king? Alleluia to the King!
Precious child, do you see the bright shining star? Alleluia!

Oh, my precious child, do you hear the angels singing? Alleluia to the Lord!
Anthems ring! Glorious sounds of Heaven rejoice! Alleluia!

Premiere: University Of Nebraska, Recital Choir, March 11, 1998

Difficulty: Moderate - A very beautiful and accessible piece

Approx. 2 minutes and 46 seconds in length

SCORE SAMPLE and purchase link HERE:  http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20001158

Precious Child (SATB)

Worse than any fear is being alone when experiencing it. But in love, there is an awareness that transcends scientific explanation. ...A connection so strong that it permeates seemingly impossible barriers. So, when we know someone we love is afraid, we long to comfort them in any way we can. We hope and pray that even in their hour of greatest difficulty or isolation, we can somehow reach out to them...If only to say, "My Love, you are not alone."

The male and female voices of the choir tell the story from their own points of view, but gradually emerge together in each other's comforting presence. From moments of despair to the final moments of peace, the rich warmth of the 8-part chorus beautifully reveals the tenderness of love and the power of hope and peace it can provide.

Approx. 5'18" in length.

SCORE SAMPLE:  http://satbpiano.com/SCORESAMPLES/yana.pdf

Popular tracks by Dave Gardner - Composer