This work for women's chorus (SSAA) is one of three settings of texts by female mystics that I composed in 2020. It is an invitation to come closer to the peace, the power, the wisdom that is always within us. The intimate and powerful text is by Chameli Ardagh, spiritual teacher and founder of Awakening Women, a global sisterhood and women's wisdom school. 

The recording is by Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir Virtual Singers. The other works in the set are Nada Te Turbe and In the Flowing Light of the Godhead. They are intended intermediate/advanced choirs and are available for purchase (print or download) at www.jwpepper.com. For more information about my work visit www.johnnewellmusic.com.

Come Closer (for chorus SSAA)

This work for mixed chorus (SSATB) is my setting of Lux Aeterna, a moving and sublime text in the Requiem mass. The piece was composed in honor of a dear friend who passed away in the Spring of 2020. It is a very accessible work scored for SSATB chorus a cappella (with a bit of divisi in S1 and T). The beautiful recording is by Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir Virtual Singers, directed by Clifford King.Scores are available for purchase (print or download) at www.jwpepper.com. For more information about my work visit www.johnnewellmusic.com.

Lux Aeterna (for chorus SSATB a cappella)

This is a setting of William Butler Yeats’ great poem. It arose from a memory he had of his childhood while walking along Fleet Street in London in 1888: “I had still the ambition, formed in Sligo in my teens, of living in imitation of Thoreau on Innisfree, a little island in Lough Gill…” The poem is a powerful expression of Yeats’ desire for a life of peace, simplicity and being close to nature. This work, for chorus SSATBB a cappella, is intended for experienced choral ensembles.

The recording is by Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir Virtual Singers, directed by Clifford King; the beautiful photo is by @mazarak on Flickr.com and is used by permission.     

 Scores are available for purchase (print or download) at www.jwpepper.com. For more information about my work visit www.johnnewellmusic.com.

The Lake Isle Of Innisfree

Live performance of the premiere of Domestic Shorthair, a work for live clarinet and prerecorded electronic and sampled sound, September 2023.

Domestic Shorthair, for B-flat clarinet and prerecorded sound

My setting, for solo voice or unison choir, of the seven "O Antiphons." These are brief prayers that were traditionally recited or sung during the daily office of Vespers on successive evenings in the season of Advent from December 17 - 23. Each of these antiphons addresses the Messiah (thus the beginning word “O”) by one of the different titles found in the prophecies of the Old Testament, and concludes with a plea for the Messiah to come.

The precise origin of these texts is unknown. However, by the 8th and 9th centuries they were in wide use by the church in Rome and monastic communities throughout western Europe. The texts were adapted, possibly in the 12th century, to form the basis of the hymn Veni Veni Emmanuel, eventually translated into English as O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. 

I personally feel that tradition needs to be renewed from time to time, so that it continues to speak to us and remain meaningful. We forget what the words of hymns and other commonly used texts are actually saying. That is why I decided to make an updated translation of the original Latin texts. I was surprised at the strength of the original imagery of the texts and how relevant they are for us today. They carry a “punch” that we would be wise to heed.

This work may be sung a cappella or (as I prefer) with simple chordal accompaniment, e.g. keyboard, harp or guitar.

Seven Antiphons For Advent

This is my setting of Phos Hilaron, the oldest known Christian hymn with a text that is not contained in the Bible. Written in Koine Greek, it is sung at the lighting of the candles during the service of Vespers. The hymn was first recorded in a volume dating to the late 3rd or early 4th century but is probably older.  

Throughout the centuries there have been many translations and musical settings of the hymn in various Christian communities. I wish to thank Bill Reader for guiding me through the meaning and idiosyncrasies of the ancient text; he helped immensely in my efforts to develop an updated English translation.

O gladsome light! O light of joy!
Pure glory of the eternal Father in heaven!
O holy and blessed Jesus, the Christ!
As we come to the setting of the sun
And behold the light of evening
We sing praises to God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
In all times it is right that you be praised by reverent voices, O Son of God, Giver of life!
And so the universe for ever sings your glory!

O Gladsome Light is intended for experienced choral ensembles; the chorale setting may be sung with or without the opening chant. The recording is by Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir Virtual Singers, directed by Clifford King. 

Scores are available for purchase (print or download) at www.jwpepper.com.  I am happy to provide a reference copy free of charge to choral directors for their review. For more information about my work visit www.johnnewellmusic.com.

O Gladsome Light (NEWELL)

I am happy to share this setting of the powerful verses on love, contained in the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians - a community torn by dissension and strife. I composed the original version, for SSATB chorus, in 2000; this arrangement for tenor solo was completed in summer of 2022. The beautiful and moving performance is by Adam Griffiths. Scores are available for purchase (print or download) at www.jwpepper.com. Best wishes to all!

The Greatest Of These Is Love - Tenor Solo

Jesu Crist, Myn Leman Swete (SATB)

This intense and haunting work evokes the ancient world of Crete and the myth of the Minotaur in the Labyrinth. Perhaps I was drawn to the topic because my mind often appeared to be a labyrinth (or, more precisely, a maze); it still does. Knossos is in a sense a musical reflection on what it is like to be lost, disoriented and in fear of the beast. I composed Knossos in 1981 and put in slight revisions in 2024. 

Scores are available for purchase at https://www.subitomusic.com/product/newell-knossos/. For more information about my work visit www.johnnewellmusic.com.

Knossos

I am happy to share this scrolling-score video performance of my high energy rendition of Psalm 100, featuring driving syncopated rhythms and exciting but approachable harmonic changes. An experienced choir and organist will enjoy the challenge; the congregation will definitely wake up. 

The recording is by Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir Virtual Singers, directed by Clifford King; the beautiful photo seen at the beginning and the end is by Carol Petri on Unsplash. I will be happy to provide a reference copy free of charge to choral directors for their review. 

Scores are available for purchase (print or download) at www.jwpepper.com. For more information about my work visit www.johnnewellmusic.com. Best wishes to all!

Make A Joyful Noise (NEWELL)

I am a contemporary classical composer whose objective is to create works that reflect my personal sensibility, and that are inspiring and rewarding for performers and listeners alike.

Having always pursued an independent creative path, I especially find inspiration in the beauty and wonder of nature and in what I learn from the world’s sacred traditions.

My recent efforts include works for chorus, solo instruments, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. Many more details are at my web site https://johnnewellmusic.com.

The Lake Isle Of Innisfree

John L. Newell

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