Songs On Lenten Themes
Matthew Baier
About this work:
Songs on Lenten Themes (2009)
The idea for this group of pieces came about while attending a New Year’s Eve mass with family this past year. The choice of Lenten themes simply reflects the time of year (spring) when the project began to take shape. With this season in mind I asked each singer to choose a text for me to set to music.
Psalm 85
Program note by Melissa: The Psalter is a body of Liturgical Poetry, which can be read or sung. Traditionally the entire community including the congregation, cantor and choir sings them. A psalm can be sung by all, or in a responsorial manner with the soloists singing the verses and the congregation singing the antiphon (refrain).
In this setting of psalm 85, the original melodic line, or psalm tone, are present but the antiphon and cadences within the verses are harmonized instead of being in unison. The instrumental accompaniment, which is usually sparse but supportive, begins with a full introduction and blossoms within the verses bringing greater emotional depth to the poetry. The chanting
itself is beautiful and meditative in character and reflects the natural flow of speech.
The message of this psalm is inspiring in its promise of fulfillment, that even in times of great trial and suffering, we can find righteousness and peace in our lives. The movement culminates at the end with the vocalists and accompaniment into and extended, sublime Amen.
Gethsemane
Program note by Matthew: For the scripture that I selected the music attempts to recreate the intensity of the scene that takes place in the garden of Gethsemane. The verses printed in the text section of the program notes are laid out as they appear in the King James translation in black and red. This visual on the page helped shape the form and nuances of the piece. The listener reads the narrative silently to the musical accompaniment, the ensemble sings Jesus’ words to the disciples and the baritone sings Jesus’ prayer. The minimalist piano, distant flute parts & unison voices are metaphors for the elements of the drama unfolding.
Lent, as I have come to understand it, is a time when Christians are to focus their attention on the life of Jesus. The outcome of this meditation should bring about a change in our lives so that we may come to understand more fully the Love, Compassion and Grace of God and to convey to this to those around us by example.
At Even, Hour of Cooling Rest
Program note by Russ: What I love about this text is it's vivid imagery - the stillness of the evening, the return of the dove and the promise of a "heavenly token". It is Eventide, the twilight hour, when cool solitude is disturbed only by the gentle hum of night creatures. It is a quiet time, when blackbirds and bats take wing, drawing a mantle of darkness behind. Only the brightest stars and the waning moon make an appearance.
We sense all of these elements in Henrici's poetic text, while he reminds us that underneath this cool restfulness, something lurks in the shadow of darkness-death. Yet we are reminded that this "fairest time" is also the beginning of Christ's Transfiguration, and our Redemption.
Matthew has set this text beautifully. The accompaniment sparkles like dewdrops falling from the boughs of overhanging trees. And while the melody is liquid and restful, it constantly reminds us of our sorrow. The music becomes more dramatic, yet still tender, when Jesus' broken body endures the cross, and our "precious heavenly token" comes to rest.
John 3:16
Program note by Marigene: When I read the words “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”, my breath catches in my throat. A sacrifice that holy and extraordinary breaks through all barriers and crosses all abysses. Matthew Baier’s setting of this famous text and the verses that precede it, float the listener as if “born of the spirit”. (John 3:8) As a believer, I know deeply what these words mean to me and is why I chose them for Matthew to set – but this setting opens the door through exquisite melody and carefully woven musical textures, for all to peer in and find their own place in its story.
Version: (4 Songs)
Year composed: 2009
Duration: 00:17:12
Ensemble type: Chorus, with or without Solo Voices:Chorus with Keyboard
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: S.A.B. piano accomp on all.
# 2 with flute
# 3 with violin
# 4 with acoustic guitar