The premiere is "In Memoriam", music composed by Justin Boyer in five movements. It will be performed May 17, 2010 7:00pm, at Wootton High School's annual Festival of Arts, by the Wootton Chambers Orchestra and Chorus, and a Male Vocal Ensemble, under the baton of Teacher Carolyn Herman.It's the world premiere of music commissioned in Robert's memory. It's the 1st Anniversary of his death. The concert is free and open to the public. Composer Justin Boyer describes his work:The five movements are as follows: 1. "My Brother Now Departed" for male a capella, TTB 2. Prelude - Strings 3. Scherzo - Strings 4. Fuga Lamentosa - Strings 5. Finale. "The Call" - Strings and SAB chorus All in all, about 22-23 minutes... The a capella song and finale are based around "The Call", but loosely. I aimed to compose around the tune and develop it into something different. The opening song I like, but the singers will need to space it out and possibly elaborate musically for the words to come out, as the words are....a mouthful! Beautiful, but many! ...It's not poppy, and I did that on purpose. It should be dignified, yet sensitively rendered. There should be much liberalness to the tempo. ...[The singers should] not take it too strictly. Encourage them to have a little fun with it. As for the string numbers, I am very happy with them. The finale quotes the [original R. Vaughan Williams] tune here and there but is a quick-paced, celebratory piece all on its own. I'm happy with its outcome. I have taken care to arrange the piece straight-forwardly, and within the abilities of an advanced high school age group. This project was truly a spiritual experience and quite challenging. Much thought went into capturing just the right sound for this piece. I'm pleased and look forward to making this come alive with Carolyn and the group. | Lyrics to the First Movement, "My Brother Now Departed"[Brother] I praised rainbows in pouring rain, saw pounding surf at sunrise. Sang countless songs in God's name, loved life with a child's bright eyes. It's alright, it's alright, you can come and lean on me, Catching fireflies ‘neath starry skies, tonight we can be free. [All] And a world is born, in you and me of endless possibility. Joy and simplicity, faith and humility, truth and honesty. [Friend(s)] You stood by me, and I felt hope. I reached and touched my dream. That awesome feeling fleeting, tell me, what does life mean? Stay awhile, one more smile, I can't believe it's true, Stay one more day, so I can say, "Do you know I love you?" [All] And a world is born, an adventure we just started. My dear heart, my better part, my Brother now departed. [Brother] I'm no perfect guy, no way, I tell you how I feel, I make the best of imperfect days, I give you what is real. Laugh and shout, sing it out, I'll add an ounce of tease. If friend and brother help each other, will it put your mind at ease? [All] And a world is born, the adventure we just started. My dear heart, my better part, my Brother now departed. ===================== (c) by Sandra Giger and Alex Yin, 2011 Lyrics to the Fifth Movement, "The Call", based on John 14:6
===================== George Herbert, 1633, “The Call” from “The Temple”, The Hymnal No. 487 |
May 17, 2011
May 17, 2011 - Event: World Premiere Concert at Wootton High School
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The premiere is "In Memoriam", music composed by Justin Boyer in five movements. It will be performed May 17, 2010 7:00pm, at Wootton High School's annual Festival of Arts, by the Wootton Chambers Orchestra and Chorus, and a Male Vocal Ensemble, under the baton of Teacher Carolyn Herman. It's the world premiere of music commissioned in Robert's memory. It's the 1st Anniversary of his death. The concert is free and open to the public. |