Love's redeeming work is done

A New Work is Come on Hand

Music of the Spheres

A five-movement work featuring texts by Johannes Kepler, John Donne, and the Psalms. Dedicated to Swiss astrophysicist Arnold Benz, a relative of the composer, this work is based on melodic ideas written to be overlaid with images of various constellations. Duration: 10:00

The Falling Star: from Evening Stars

The first of three pieces based on Sara Teasdale poems from the larger work, Evening Stars.

Stars over Snow: from Evening Stars

The third of three pieces based on Sara Teasdale poems from the larger work, Evening Stars.

On a Winter Night: from Evening Stars

The second of three pieces based on Sara Teasdale poems from the larger work, Evening Stars.

Hommage à Langlais: Song of Peace in a Time of War

This engaging work by Mary Beth Bennett was commissioned by the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists to celebrate its 50th anniversary. A soft misterioso section, reminiscent of Jean Langlais' "Song of Peace," begins the work, followed by a section of loud musical cries of anguish. An introspective central section of free melody in a Middle-Eastern mode ensues, and the work concludes with the hymn tune VICTORY ("The Strife is O'er") superimposed over it. Duration: 5:00

Prelude Variations

Commissioned as a piece that could be played by advanced amateurs, Prelude Variations is a single-movement work based on two Bach Preludes from the Well-Tempered Clavier.

Prelude Variations

Commissioned as a piece that could be played by advanced amateurs, Prelude Variations is a single-movement work based on two Bach Preludes from the Well-Tempered Clavier.

Serenade and Dance

In one movement with two contrasting sections, the work opens with the Serenade, which is tranquil and melodic. It is followed by the energetically angular, raucously rhythmic Dance that features a catchy tune alternating several times with contrasting melodies, all in the spirit of a lively romp. The work was premiered in April 2013 by Shannon Scott, clarinet, and Melissa Loehnig, piano, at Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington. Commissioned by and dedicated to Joseph Juracek.

To Canaan's Land I'm on My Way

This work opens with a simple soprano solo followed by the entrance of the choir in a style reminiscent of early American part-writing. The text is both hopeful and peaceful.

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God : From Music of the Spheres

This is the first movement (Prologue) of a five-movement work featuring texts by Johannes Kepler, John Donne, and the Psalms. Dedicated to Swiss astrophysicist Arnold Benz, a relative of the composer, the work is based on melodic ideas written to be overlaid with images of various constellations. "The Heavens Declare" is a setting of Psalm 19: 1-4, in which tenor soli and SATB choir alternately declaim the text in a call-and-response structure.

Magnificat

This Magnificat was commissioned by Choir & Organ Magazine and St. Thomas Fifth Avenue, NYC, for the debut of their newly constructed Miller-Scott organ. The work sets the traditional Magnificat text with long, flowing lines, sensuous modulations, and rich, jazzy sonorities. Duration: 4:00 This Magnificat was commissioned by Choir & Organ Magazine and St. Thomas Fifth Avenue, NYC, for the debut of their newly constructed Miller-Scott organ. The work sets the traditional Magnificat text with long, flowing lines, sensuous modulations, and rich, jazzy sonorities. Duration: 4:00

Sonata for Flute (or Violin) and Piano (or Organ)

This three-movement work is composed in a readily accessible tonal style. Colorful harmonies and concise structural elements highlight each movement. Throughout the Sonata, melodic lyricism is a constant characteristic which will present an engaging musical experience for performers and audiences. Duration: 8:10

O Come, Desire of Nations : O Rex gentium

Written for and dedicated to Eric Holtan and True Concord Voices and Orchestra for their 2015 Lessons and Carols concerts, and in memory of American composer Stephen Paulus (1949 “2014), this work is intended to be a plea for peace among peoples and nations. Duration: 4:00

Erinnerung : Remembrance

An evocation of the sound world of Schubert's Sonatas, especially channeling Schubert’s D959. The references to Schubert are sometimes direct, but often altered in slight ways to evoke the dreamy sense of time that occurs while sleeping. It was commissioned by David Deveau specifically for a recording of this work with Steinway Records. Duration: 5:15

Reverie Hommage a Francis Poulenc

Poignant, evocative, wistful, playful, charming. These are just a few of the many adjectives that recount Francis Poulenc's musical craft, and perhaps, even his own personal disposition. When the musical elite begin any discussion (or argument) regarding the art of Francis Poulenc, one quote patented by noted music critic Claude Rostand seems to always bubble towards the surface: "In Poulenc, there is something of the monk and something of the rascal." How often we see that dichotomous but unifying strand of inspiration throughout his entire oeuvre! With the contrasting and complimentary ingredients of both piety and playfulness thoughtfully put in place, it is the intent ofRêverie to conjure the heart of Poulenc's musical form. Rêverie is a work that combines harmonic inventiveness, melodic poignancy and rhythms sprinkled with mischievous pulses. While the work does pay homage to the master with reverence, it simultaneously summons a fresh, new perspective of these old, familiar forms-these "ships" of our pasts. With that said, perhaps it is best to let Stravinsky take the helm: "[But] the true work of an artist is to improve upon old ships. He can only recount in his own way what has already been told." -Luke MayernikIncludes score and Alto Saxophone part. Duration: 6:30

Let Us Break Bread Together

This work is dedicated to Heather Heyer of Charlottesville, Virginia, who gave her life for our mission of tolerance. Using the traditional African American tune LET US BREAK BREAD, this arrangement is scored for SATB chorus (divisi) and piano.  A new verse is added: Let us rise up together all as one, as a call for strength through unity. Duration: 3:00

Refuge : from Sing Evermore!

An assuring text from master poet Sara Teasdale, its central theme is that one can take refuge in singing. Ever sensitive to the text, Walker crafts word painting throughout with shimmering accompaniment figures, textural changes, and fanfare-like passages in the voices on the word "free". Excerpted from the larger work Sing Evermore! and available in both SATB and TTBB voicings.

Aria and Chorale

Written as one continuous movement, the music begins with a haunting "Aria." A chromatic musical language creates a mysterious mood. The pianist and violinist trade musical motives back and forth as equal but differing partners. A brief interlude segues into the "Chorale" section, which is as soaring and reassuring as the beginning was uneasy. The two ideas create a fulfilling balance and the work ends peacefully.

Roosters

On the surface, this 1941 poem is about roosters. More specifically, roosters in Key West, where the poet spent a decade. But the sub-texts could not be any more appropriate in terms of current events: they touch on militarism, gender roles, forgiveness, and waking up to reality. The 44 stanzas are set for two singers and piano. A sweeping and engaging work which exhibits drama, humor, and variety.

Vidimus stellam from Vidimus stellam

In the tradition of Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, Kevin Siegfried’s Vidimus stellam (We Have Seen His Star) is a radiant and uplifting work for SATB Chorus and Brass Quintet or Organ. Using traditional Latin texts drawn from Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, Vidimus stellam evocatively traces the theme of Light through the Christmas season. In the choral parts, an expressive lyricism predominates, revealing Siegfried’s affinity for chant and early music. A balance between accessibility and challenge is maintained throughout. This is the fifth and final movement, Vidimus stellam, based on the Epiphany text, "We have seen his star in the East." The organ begins quietly asif in awe, with the same material the choir will sing as "Vidimus stellam." The mood remains quiet and adoring until it is interrupted by a majestic restatement of the opening material. A gentler section follows "Venit lumen tuum (Your light is come)." And again bursting out, the same text is repeated in a grand conclusion to this movement and the entire work. In the tradition of Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, Kevin Siegfried’s Vidimus stellam (We Have Seen His Star) is a radiant and uplifting work for SATB Chorus and Brass Quintet or Organ. Using traditional Latin texts drawn from Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, Vidimus stellam evocatively traces the theme of Light through the Christmas season. In the choral parts, an expressive lyricism predominates, revealing Siegfried’s affinity for chant and early music. A balance between accessibility and challenge is maintained throughout. This is the fifth and final movement, Vidimus stellam, based on the Epiphany text, "We have seen his star in the East." The organ begins quietly asif in awe, with the same material the choir will sing as "Vidimus stellam." The mood remains quiet and adoring until it is interrupted by a majestic restatement of the opening material. A gentler section follows "Venit lumen tuum (Your light is come)." And again bursting out, the same text is repeated in a grand conclusion to this movement and the entire work.

Beloved, Let Us Love One Another

Written for the Choir of the Church of the Advent in Boston, Massachusetts (Dr. Edith Ho, director), this piece was composed for the wedding of John Sterling Lambert and Susan Tighlman Bisson at the Advent on October 12, 2002. The bride and groom are both singers who have worked closely with the composer, and the composer and choir offered this short work, drawing on various wedding and musical texts, as a gift to the couple during the wedding liturgy.

Fanfare and Procession

The Fanfare is heralded by a quintuplet motive on a solo trumpet stop, with interjections by crunchy chords coordinating with intense metrical variance to drive the motion forward. The pedal gains more prominence with the Procession, as it marches along with the manuals in a steadier metrical setting than before. Reminders of the opening fanfare appear, followed by a brief return of the opening motive to close the work. A stellar new addition to the recital repertoire.

A Quiet Alleluia

This piece was composed for my close friend Walter Roach. He asked for a piece for his dear wife Debbie, who was in the last months of her life. I composed it with her in mind, and fortunately she got to hear it sung. Musically, it is basically a simple and flowing melodic piece. Compared with some of the more majestic and powerful pieces that have been written on this text, this work is really a quiet meditation and prayer.