Chorale brings music to life in concert
Nicole Heitmann
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Gallery
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The Chorale, directed by Dr. James Tarrant, associate professor of music, opened with "God's Son Has Made Me Free" from "The Four Psalms" written by Edvard Grieg.
The Chorale began "Music animam tangens" by Joshua Shank with mood-setting "hmms." Shrank was only 20 years old when he composed the solemn song and won the Raymond W. Brock Student Composition Award of the American Choral Directors Association. The Latin lyrics were written by poet Ryan Newstrom.
The poem seeks to "express what every musician knows to be true-that music puts us in touch with a higher power, something inexpressible and infinitely beautiful," said the program notes.
"Stars" by Dan Forrest from "Three Nocturnes" began with faint sound of voices. As the song progressed the tempo did as well. The lyrics are based on a poem written by Sarah Teasdale. The writer is struck by so much majesty of the stars and space: "Myriads beating hearts of fire."
The "Geographical Fugue" by Ernst Toch was a pleasant change as the chorale sang in a chant pattern. The song described many locations in America and every member of the Chorale looked like they enjoyed performing the song.
The Chorale sang the upbeat, almost tribal infused "Nothin' Gonna Stumble My Feet," by Greg Gilpin and then slowed things down a bit with the more lyrical "Light of the Minds That Know Him," by K. Lee Scott and "Come, Dwell in Solomon's Walls" by Z. Randall Stroope.
Stroope's lyrical yet contemporary slant on finding protection in heaven was dedicated by the department to Dr. Brian Hopwood, director of instrumental studies, and his family in his father's passing. The song beckons listeners to enter the house of the Lord and find safety.
"It speaks to each one of us; sometimes we want to feel protected," said Tarrant before the song was performed.
The final song performed was Sydney Guillaume's "Kalinda" Throughout the piece, voices served almost like drums, to keep the beat and tempo going. The impressive song brought the audience to their feet in applause. The song was described more in the program notes.
"Humans can make wonders and can even be proud of spectacular accomplishments; but in reality, everything comes from the Creator," said Gabriel Toussaint Guillaume. "All talents and all treasures are divine blessings that must be used to the benefit of all. Let's praise God and let's share generously."
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