Musica, Dei donum optimi
by Carol Barnett
Divisi - Sheet Music

SSAATTBB choir (divisi) unaccompanied - Late Intermediate

SKU: EC.1.3506

Composed by Carol Barnett. 21st Century, Creation/Nature, Hope/Assurance, Lament/Grief/Sorrow, Music. Octavo. Duration 4 minutes, 30 seconds. Galaxy Music Corporation #1.3506. Published by Galaxy Music Corporation (EC.1.3506).

ISBN 600313135064. UPC: 600313135064. English, Latin.

The composer writes: "When asked to write a work for The Rose Ensemble's 20th Anniversary Season, I looked for a text that would resonate with this special occasion, perhaps something to help 'crown' the May Day celebration. But I kept coming back to music: 'Music, gift of the highest God,' music with the power to 'untune the sky,' music that refreshes and gives us strength, 'affording solace to all.' "

 

The music begins mysteriously with the John Dryden text split among the voices and ending with Alleluias. A sort of scherzo section follows, concluding with a declamation, "The dead shall live, the living die, and music shall untune the sky." Then follows the setting of the Latin text of the title. The music is challenging, the textures interesting and varied. Duration: 4:30.