Choral Works
Evening Prelude- Vigil of the Nativity (2015)
“Hodie scietis, qui a veni Dominus, et salvabit” is a set of latin text, taken from the book of Exodus, Chapter 16 (vv. 6-7). The text forms the Introit for the Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord, otherwise known as “Christmas Eve Mass.”
In modern text, the translation states, “This day you shall know the Lord has come, and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory.”
Kyrie Eleison (2016-2017)
“Kyrie Eleison” was originally composed for an SATB octet in the Spring of 2016. During my undergraduate, I had the pleasure of spending four years in the theory program with some incredible musicians. As we journeyed through our coursework, one thing that struck me was how incredibly talented everyone’s singing capacities were.
Therefore, in order to capitalize on a potential gift in the making, I composed a motet (of sorts) using the latin biblical text of “Kyrie Eleison. Christe Eleison,” which translates to “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy” in the English text.
We used the piece in class as an ear training/aural skills development model. Fortunately, we were able to learn and sing it a cappella, and we performed the piece in a public capacity on several occasions throughout the next two years.
By the Spring of 2017, my wind ensemble director, Dr. Stephen Gage, had asked me to arrange the work for wind ensemble. Not only did we perform my wind band reduction of the piece, but I also had the pleasure of conducting the YSU Wind Ensemble in my original choral rendition, as well.
Locus Iste (2016-2017)
“Locus Iste” is the Latin term for “Kirchweih,” the anniversary of the dedication of the church. The Latin text reads:
“Locus iste a Deo factus est, inaestimabile sacramentum, irreprehensibilis est.”
The English translation reads:
“This is the Lord’s house, which He hath made. Profoundly sacred, it is beyond reproof.”
This piece was dedicated to the seven incredible musicians, who helped make my “Kyrie Eleison” octet come to life (and who also made music theory class a pleasure to be a part of).
O God, You Declare Your Almighty Power (2018)
The collect prayers are a collection of literary structures, designed to encapsulate teachings of the scriptures. Their structure is similar to those of Psalms and other structural prayers.
“O God, you declare your almighty power” is one of these collect prayers, usually set for the eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost. My father had asked me to compose a short anthem for his chancel choir, using the following text.
The work is inspired by the Renaissance English composer, Orlando Gibbons. It was premiered by the full St. Paul’s Episcopal Chancel Choir on September 30th.
Take My Life, and Let it Be (2018)
The text of “Take my life, and let it be” comes from the famous hymn.
I composed an original anthem based off of the text for SATB and solo clarinet.
*LIVE RECORDING WILL REPLACE MIDI FILE SOON*