CATALOGUE

The Tree of Life

Program Note:

The ancient metaphor of The Tree of Life is an eloquent symbol shared by the three religions of Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Unfortunately, violence in the name of God haunts our religious history. The slaughter of innocents at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh (2018) was the impetus for this piece. May this work serve as a

reminder and inspiration for all those who seek peace, harmony, and reconciliation in our world.

Still, we Come, Gather, and Pray... at The Tree of Life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaS2Yc0MBA0

For Orchestra, SATB, and Mezzo-Soprano soloist.

Piano and organ transcriptions also available.

Duration: 42 min.

PART I: COME

I. Bou.

II.God’sShelteringLoveandBreathofLife.

III. Fi Hubben Wa Salam.

IV. AND YET!

PART II: GATHER

V. Ubi Fili.

VI. Love.

PART III: PRAY

VII.CalloftheAngels and Benedictus

VIII. Let Us Pray.

Love Aria with text from the Islamic mystic poets Rumi and Hafez.

We That Wait

Program Note:

Based on poetry written during the American Civil War, this Song Cycle is a view of the War through the eyes of women, as witnesses and/or widows. Three of the poems are by Emily Dickinson, a Northerner. Three are by Southern women poets/composers: Ella Wren, Marie Ravenal de La Coste, and “an anonymous Lady from New Orleans.” One poem is by Walt Whitman. The Cycle follows the course of the War from initial fervor through the brutality of conflict, the pain of separation and loss, the constant senseless death, the numbness of mourning, and both sides’ inevitable yearning for peace. However, the poems reflect the human toll exacted by all wars.

Festival MIami premiere 2017:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDBzD0ti8cY

Toccata Classics recording:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNtxEW0viUk&t

For Orchestra and Mezzo-Soprano Soloist.

Piano/vocal score available.

CONTENTS

I. He Went as Soldiers.

II. Beat! drums! beat!.

III. We Have Parted.

IV. They Dropped Like Flakes.

V. After Great Pain.

VI. Somebody’s Darling.
VII. PrayerforPeace.

Duration: ca. 34’

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MISSA ADSUM! Celebrating Women

Program Note:

MISSA ADSUM! CELEBRATING WOMEN

This work celebrates the talents and gifts women bring to ministry and leadership roles in any religion. The title comes from the Roman rite of ordination during which the male candidates for ordination are called by name and answer in Latin, Adsum! (“I am here” or “I am present”). The nine movement work is in Mass format.

I. Kyrie: As with the Mass form, the Kyrie is a prayer, but with an added prayer for a renewed effort for expanded access to vocations for both men and women.

II. Gloria: A movement traditionally of Praise, this compositional movement also remembers that Jesus’s first spoken word was “Mariam”.

III. Credo: Typically a statement of unified beliefs, this movement is composed as a love song observing that any religious vocation for women and men is an act of love.

IV. Adsum: The word Adsum is usually spoken by a man when called for ordination. In this composition, the word Adsum is sung by women.

V. Magnificat: These are the words traditionally spoken by Mary when she realizes she has been favored and chosen by God. This is a profound and necessary text for a musical composition proclaiming the role of women in the church.

VI. Sanctus: Soloist proclaims, “Sisters and Brothers, here is your Priesthood”.

VII. Consecration: A duet between mezzo-soprano and baritone to symbolize equal status before God.

VIII. Agnus Dei: Includes the famous “All Will Be Well” from Julian of Norwich.

IX. Ite Missa Est: Rejoicing recessional proclaiming that we should bring forth the talents and vocations from all who are within our religious communities.

Duration: 45 min.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BYueKV6SFU

Tribute

For Symphonic Band

Dedicated to Dennis and Carol Zeisler

Premiered and conducted by Dennis Zeisler at his Retirement Concert.

Duration: 4 min.

Upon the retirement of Professor Dennis J. Zeisler, “Tribute” acknowledges and celebrates his distinguished career as teacher, mentor, performer, conductor, adjudicator, and administrator. The piece shows the arc of his career-- his energy and accomplishments, his bittersweet wistfulness as retirement approaches, and his exuberance and joy at the prospect of this new stage of life.