Carmen Vocis (2011)

SATB, orchestra, soprano soloist
duration 10'

"My soul is in my breath; and with my breath will I lift up my voice in speech and song.  For my breath shall be turned into sound; and I will pour forth my voice, even from the depths of my lungs."

Years ago I promised myself I would never write a song about singing. I'd like to think that with Carmen Vocis I've broken this vow with some amount of grace. The lyrics, adapted from a text by Dr. William Aikin, are a tour through the human voice, illuminating both the scientific and poetic nuances of the instrument. I was first introduced to these words by the Centenary College Choir, who for years have used the Carmen Vocis as a kind of credo.

Listeners may recognize fragments from Tenebrae Factae Sunt (composed by Marc' Antonio Ingegneri but long-attributed to Palestrina), another piece of very personal significance to the CCC.

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viewable, not printable