SATB + orchestra (optional treble choir)

NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER

This work contains fanfare, bold sonorities, reflection, inclusion of a chorale by Philipp Nicolai, and an ending of sonic fireworks. It was literally one of the most enjoyable works that I have ever written. Even though the brass is a full contingent (8 players), I was quite careful to maintain vocal prominence in the textures. (The recording was made with 28 voices.) The treble choir can be done by adults or very effectively by a children’s choir. Lastly, this work was built on an earlier version of “Hodie!” that I wrote in the 1990’s, but is quite different in that the first movement has been entirely replaced, and the other two moments – especially the third movement, is largely new material.

ORCHESTRA VERSION INSTRUMENTATION
2 flutes
2 oboes
2 Bb clarinets
2 bassoons

TEXT

Movement 1: “Ring out, you crystal spheres, Bless at once our human ears…” (1629), John Milton; (also trad. Latin)
Movement 2: “Hodie Christus natus est” (trad. Latin)
Movement 3: “Alleluia, Hodie exultant justi, dicentes!” (trad. Latin)
“Wake, awake for night is flying,”
All the watchers on the heights are crying:
“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” (Philipp Nicolai [trans. Winkworth])

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recorded by THE NEW AMERICAN VOICES, DFW Brass & Peggy Graff, organist; Theresa Pritchard & voices from Vista Ridge Middle School featured