Arma Lucis is an extended a cappella work written for the 100-year celebration at the Cathedral of St. Cecilia in Omaha, Nebraska. The title translates literally “the Armour of Light”. The complete text appears on the upper walls of the cathedral and serves as the basis for the entire work. The première performance of Arma Lucis was given at the first concert appearance by Nebraska’s Professional Chorale, Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum, and was directed by the composer’s wife, Almeda. Arma Lucis was performed, July 13, 1996, by the Detroit Concert Choir (directed by Gordon Nelson) at the International Musical Eisteddfod, in Llangollen, Wales where they won “the impressive title of Choir of the World” in a competition of choirs from 46 countries.
Choral Music page 8Amazing Grace
SDG 90-101 $1.35
Mixed Chorus, Keyboard
3.5’ 12 pgs.
Amazing Grace, in Jackson Berkey’s setting, seems to have a life of its own – separate from anything that the composer/arranger had in mind. It has been used in concerts and services too numerous to mention, and invariably elicits a powerful response from its listeners. At once intensely personal and at the same time universal in its appeal, it is unlike any other setting of this familiar hymn. The poetry of Amazing Grace was written by John Newton (1725-1807), a former slave ship captain. After a frightening experience at sea, his conversion occurred through his reading of Thomas Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ.
Arma Lucis
SDG 89-110 Mixed Chorus $3.95
a cappella 11’ 24 pgs.
A Year Ago Last Summer/Unending Joy!
SDG 04-101 $2.10
Mixed Chorus, Alto Solo, Piano
6’ 16 pgs.
“It was a year ago last summer,and everything in my life was graywhen Jesus came into my life andbrought me where I am today: Unending joy, Jesus is unending joy,Jesus is life!”
A gentle alto solo precedes a gospel-style setting that builds, section by section, to a glorious and joyous finale!
Ascendit Deus
SDG 96-102 Male Chorus $1.50
SDG 96-103 Treble Chorus $1.50
SDG 96-104 Mixed Chorus $1.70
a cappella 3.5’ 12 pgs.
Ascendit Deus, in its original TTBB voicing, is the second commissioned work written for Gary Schwartzhoff and the Singing Statesmen, University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire. Dr. Schwartzhoff requested an allegro work using the Latin Ascendit Deus text. The work opens with the original Gregorian chant transliterated from the Liber Usualis and progresses tonally and rhythmically into a Twentieth Century Alleluia which reaches a powerfully climactic vocal peak. Ascendit Deus is also set for SATB Chorus (for Almeda Berkey and Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum) and for SSAA treble voices (for Jerome Wright’s Seattle Girls’ Choir).
Ave Dulcissima Maria
SDG 99-301 Treble Chorus $2.50
a cappella 4.3’ 12 pgs.
This stunning a cappella work makes use of a wide vocal tessitura in a manner similar to Hildegard von Bingen. The work was written as a gift to Jerome Wright and the Seattle Girls’ Choir to thank them for their superb talents in their recording sessions of Berkey’s treble music on their CD, Jackson Berkey Meets the Seattle Girls’ Choir.
Benjamin Franklin’s 13
SDG 05-104 $5.95
Mixed Chorus, Piano, Marimba, Vibraphone, Bass, Percussion 5.30' 32 pgs.
The text chosen for BENJAMIN FRANKLIN’S 13 includes, with some exercise of poetic license, the 13 virtues and, as its opening and closing, the famous Franklin quote: “A good Conscience is a continual Christmas.” It is my hope that this music setting of Franklin’s words will aid in establishing a new dialog between Franklin and the populace of America.
In the final edition of Poor Richard’s Almanac, which Franklin published for 26 years, he ends with this advice: “ Do not depend too much upon your own industry, and frugality and prudence, though excellent things, for they may all be blasted without the blessing of Heaven ...”
Black is the Colour
SDG 02-100 Mixed Chorus $5.95
SDG 02-100P String parts set $10.00
Chorus, Electric Piano, String Quartet and Bass 5’ 36 pgs.
Unexpected turns of mode and melody characterize this new setting of the familiar Appalachian folk song. Commissioned by the Rochester (MN) Choral Arts Ensemble, Rick Kvam, Director.
Choral Music page 8