I AM ALIVE SONG SUNG BY CHOIRS HOW TO

The opportunity came from an invitation to write a commissioned work for the 2010 Southern Division ACDA High School Men's Honor Choir. On the very first reading I knew that 'Brothers of the Singing Void' was a text I would set and had only to wait for the right occasion and right choir. I became familiar with James Broughton's writings when I set his exquisite poem This Magicker for treble voices several years back.

Every phrase is structured in a way that it is simply a joy to sing. Lastly, the musical setting is so well paced. that causes one to think deeply about the text. There is also the textual juxtaposition of opposites. Textually, it takes the theme of fraternity, a universal theme in men's music, and extends it beyond earthly boundaries. My harmonious brothers of the singing voidīrothers of the Singing Void is a significant addition to the male chorus repertory. Thriving on affection in their spacious glee To remind me that star music is the intimate roar That stir old saints to dally forth in dance My brothers explore interstellar polyphony To praise the shining fellowship of heaven When they shift their voices into high unison I hear it in the songs my sky brothers sing Often my ears ring with the sound the stars make The opening vocal fantares and closing hymn should be sung with majesty and conviction, the inner passages with lyricism and warmth.Ĭommissioned by the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Association for the 2010 ACDA Southern Division Convention Men's Honor Chorus, Jonathan Reed, conductorįirst Performance: The 2010 ACDA Southern Divisiion Convention Men's Honor Chorus, Jonathan Reed, conductor, March 2010 Stephen Spender’s poem I Think Continually of Those Who Were Truly Great reminds us of those qualities of ambition and striving, passion and spirit that seem particularly appropriate for this commission in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Mu Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at the University of Central Florida. It speaks, in larger context, however, about all those 'born of the sun' who wear at their hearts the fire's center, whose passion leaves the 'vivid air signed with their honor' and strikes a similar resonance in us, as well. Ho wore at their hearts the fire's center.īorn of the sun, they travelled a short whileĪnd left the vivid air signed with their honor. See how these names are feted by the waving grass,Īnd whispers of wind in the listening sky Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields With noise and fog the flowering of the spirit. Never to allow gradually the traffic to smother Was that their lips, still touched with fire,īreaking through rocks in worlds before our earth I think continually of those who were truly great.Įndless and singing. Singers should be mindful of the meaning of the words and attempt to express them musically.įor the 25th Anniversary of the Mu Eta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, University of Central Floridaįirst Performance: November 12, 2004, Mu Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia,Ģ5th anniversary Gala, Orlando, FL, Anthony Rivera, conductor

All of this English metaphysical poet's words are highly imaginative, evocative, personal and heartfelt. The writings of John Donne are epressions of one man's wrestling with human nature, illness, pain, doubt, faith, trust and hope. Michigan State University Men's Glee Club The contrast between fanfare-like sections and very tender moments like the 'amen' make it challenging and fulfilling in performance. The guys absolutely love the power of this piece.

I AM ALIVE SONG SUNG BY CHOIRS HOW TO

Teach me how to repent for that's as goodĪs if Thou hadst sealed my pardon with Thy blood. Shall behold God, and never taste death's woe.īut let them sleep, Lord, and me mourn a space Of souls, and to your scattered bodies go Īll whom the flood did, and fire shall, o'erthrow.Īll whom war, death, age, agues, tyrannies,ĭespair, law, chance hath slain and you whose eyes State University Men's Glee Club, Jonathan Reed, conductorĪt the round earth's imagined corners, blow Voicing: TTBB chorus a cappella (also available for mixed chorus)įirst Performance: March 2001, National ACDA convention, San Antonio, TX, Michigan

For the Michigan State University Men's Glee Club, Jonathan Reed, conductor

I am alive song sung by choirs