Publishing (Augsburg Fortress) update 06.23.08

Augsburg Fortress has accepted for publication my setting of the hymn "We're Marching to Zion" (SATB, a cappella, snare drum, triangle). I wrote this piece at the request of one of my choir members. And then, the choir at the Presbyterian Church of Coventry, CT sang the premiere on May 25, 2008. Several people in the congregation spoke of how much they enjoyed it -- I think the choir liked it, too!

"Hyfrydol" released by MorningStar Music

MorningStar Music has released my setting of the beloved Welsh hymntune "Hyfrydol", for Bass Instrument (Cello or Bassoon) & Piano. This setting, which is ideal for more advanced players, is cast in ABA form. The piece opens quietly as the solo instrument plays the tune twice above a chordal accompaniment. The contrasting ‘B’ section, a dialogue between the instruments, is based on a motive adapted from the tune. Following this development-like section, the opening material returns triumphant and powerful. A brief coda, which recalls the ‘B’ section, closes the piece.

"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" released by Augsburg Fortress

Augsburg Fortress has released my Advent anthem "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" (2-part mixed, keyboard) as a separate octavo. This piece is also included in Augsburg's Choirbook for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, which was published last year. Click here to hear a demo recording of the piece.

"The Triumphal Entry" released by Concordia

Concordia now has in stock my choral anthem "The Triumphal Entry" (from my 2007 Easter cantata), for SATB & piano. The piece, with text from Matthew 21:9, is a stately and dramatic Palm Sunday "Hosanna" proclamation celebrating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Click here to view the product page on Concordia's website, where you can view sample pages.

New Commission for Cello and Piano

The team of composers who wrote music for David Kim's CD The Lord Is My Shepherd has been commissioned once again. The new project is a compilation of hymn settings for cello and piano, which will be recorded by Anne Martindale Williams (principal cellist of the Pittsburgh Symphony) and Paul S. Jones. I need to choose which hymns to arrange, and then write the music before September 1. The performers hope to record in early fall. The plan is to release the CD and book of music together, sometime in the fall.

Best Selling Anthems at Choristers Guild

Choristers Guild has released a list of their best selling anthems for 2007, and "Teach Me Your Way" (unison/2-part, keyboard, treble instrument) is among them. To listen to an mp3 of the piece, click here.

"Blessed Be the Lord" released by Choristers Guild

Choristers Guild now has in stock my newest children's choir anthem, "Blessed Be the Lord," with a text based on Psalm 72:18-19. Sung in unison, the anthem works well for younger and/or older children's choirs. Budding two part choirs, however, will enjoy the final section of the piece that offers the chance for two part singing. Click here to hear a demo recording and view sample pages.

Publishing (Choristers Guild) update 02.04.08

Choristers Guild has accepted for publication my newest Christmas anthem, "Winds through the Olive Trees" for SAB (youth) choir, keyboard, and treble instrument. It is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2010.

New Anthem for Lent/Easter

With Ash Wednesday falling on February 6 and Easter falling on March 23, church musicians hardly have a chance to take a break after the busy Advent/Christmas season! I Will Sing of My Redeemer, published by Fred Bock Music Company, will make a nice addition to your choir's repertoire. The publisher writes that this easy anthem, set for accompanied two-part mixed chorus, features "two melodies reminiscent of the American folk song genre," and that "this Lenten or communion piece enables simplicity to sound profound." For historical background on the text and music, as well as rehearsal tips and suggestions for using the piece in worship services, click here.

Piano Intros & Alternate Accompaniments

Volume 2 and Volume 7 of Introductions & Alternate Accompaniments for Piano are now available from Augsburg Fortress. This new resource is meant to accompany the hymnal Evangelical Lutheran Worship, though pianists of many denominations will find this collection to be invaluable. Four of my settings are included in Volume 2: Salzburg, Old 124th, Pange Lingua, and The King's Majesty. Five of my settings are included in Volume 7: Kirken Den Er Et Gammelt Hus, Gott Sei Dank, Wir Pflügen, Prospect, and Heath (or Schumann).