Pied Beauty

Praise him!
Glory be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced—fold, fallow, and plough;
And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.
Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889)

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Modern Masters, November 2009.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2009 release, Modern Masters.

Moondance

VAN MORRISON (B. 1945)
ARR. AJACK (B. 1965)

Well, its a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
‘neath the cover of October skies
All the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And I’m trying to please to the calling
Of your heart-strings that play soft and low
And all the nights magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
Can I just have one a more moondance with you, my love.

Well I want to be yours in the moonlight
I cant wait til the morning has come
And I know that the time is just right
And straight into my arms you will run
When you come to my heart I’ll be waiting
To make sure that you’re never alone
Then and there all my dreams will come true, dear
Then and there I will make you my own
And all the nights magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
Can I just have one a more moondance with you, my love.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Should Have Been Choral, June 2008 and Should Have Been Choral, May, 2009.

Inscription for a Wayside Spring

All men from all lands kneel before you go
Cup your hands like a bowl
Let me overflow
Read what these words tell,
Lean down and know
Each one beside my brink
Bend down low;
Lost son, sad daughter bend down and drink.
I am the water of the well that makes men whole.
I am the cold water that restores your soul.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Prelude No. 1, BWV 846

The first and most well-known prelude from Book I of J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier simply jumped out of the book and requisitioned me to arrange it. The prelude asserted that, like much of Bach’s work, it is well-suited for and adaptable to any number of instrumental scenarios, from keyboards, harpstrings to Charles Gounod’s setting of Ave Maria. In light of this, the prelude demanded to know why Octarium had not yet graced its elegant arpeggios and rich harmonies with Octarium’s well-mannered presence., Shamed, I immediately went to work deconstructing the prelude into five parts, with this result.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Should Have Been Choral, June 2007.

Peter Schikele (b. 1935)
A Consort of Christmas Carols S. 359

• Throw the Yule Log on, Uncle John
• O Little Town
• Good King Kong Looked Out

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas With Octarium, December 2003

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
and stand with fear and trembling,
and lift itself above all earthly thought.
For the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Christ our God,
cometh forth to be our oblation,
and to be given for food to the faithful.
Before him come the choirs of angels,
with every principality and power;
the Cherubim with many eyes, and winged Seraphim,
who veil their faces as they shout exultantly the hymn,
Alleluia.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Saints and Angels Concert, October 2004 and Saints and Angels, April 2008.

This piece is also featured on Octarium’s self-titled debut recording.

O Mistress Mine

Settings By:

• Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
• Robert Baksa (B. 1938) Judith Lang Zaimont (B. 1945)
• Daniel Pederson (Sweet and Twenty)

Text: Shakespeare Twelfth Night Act Ii, Scene III

O mistress mine, where are you roaming?
O stay and hear, your true love’s coming
That can sing both high and low.
Trip no further, pretty sweeting;
Journeys end in lovers’ meeting,
Ev’ry wise man’s son doth know.
What is love? ‘Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What’s to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies no plenty;
Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty;
Youth’s a stuff will not endure.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.
Daniel Pederson’s Sweet and Twenty was performed on Listener’s Choice, February 2011.

Contrapunto Bestiale alle Mente

This is an odd little madrigal with no translation. All voice parts make animal noises while the bass sings a cantus firmus in a language that is familiar and, at the same time, completely unidentifiable and untranslatable. And that is what happens when, as the title translates, the Animals Improvise Counterpoint.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Agnus Dei

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
miserere nobis.
have mercy upon us.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
dona nobis pacem.
grant us peace.

This piece was performed on Essentials – The Concert, October 2008 and Masstiche, February 2010.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2008 release, Essentials.

Arise and Be Free: A Suite for Chanukah

Y’Mei Chanukah

Y’mei ha-Chanukah, Chanukat mikdasheinu
In the days of Chanukah we tell of the renewal of our holiness
B’gil uvsimcha m’mal im et libeinu
Our hearts are filled with celebration and happiness
Lailah vayom s’vivoneinu yisov
Our draydles spin night and day
Sufganiyot nochal bam larov
We’ll eat mostly latkes then.
Hairu hadliku nerot Chanukah rabim
Shine, light the many Chanukah candles
Al hanisim v’al haniflaot asher chol¹lu haMakabim
In honor of the miracles and wonders which the Maccabees did
Nitzchon hamakabim n’sapeir n’zameirah,
We will recount and sing of the victories
Alei hasonim az yadam ki gaveirah
In the end the enemies’ hands were weakened.
Y’rushalayim shava litchiya,
Jerusalem will return to life.
Am Yisraeil asah tushiah.
The Nation of Israel will be aided.

S’vivon

S’vivon sov sov sov
Little top spin spin spin.
Chanukah hu chag tov
Chanukah is a good holiday
Chag simcha hu la’am
It is a joyous holiday for our people
Nes gadol haya sham
A great miracle happened there.

Mi Y’maleil

Mi y’maleil g’vurot Yisrael
Who will acclaim the heroes of Israel
Otan my yimneh?
Who can count them?
Hein b’khol do yakum ha gibor
In every generation a hero arises to
Goeil haam
Save the nation.
Sh’ma! Bayam haheim baz’man hazeh
Listen! In the olden times
Makabi moshiyah ufodeh
The Maccabees helped and freed us
Uv’yameinu kol a, Yisrael,
In our time, the whole nation of Israel
Yit’ached yakum l’higael
Will arise and be free.

Mi Zeh Hidlik

Mi zeh hidlik neirot dakim kakochavim barom?
Who will light the narrow candles like the stars in the heavens
Yodim gam tinokot rabim ki Chanukah hayom.
Even the many little children know that today is Chanukah.

These pieces were performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2004 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2007.

The Tree

I love thee when thy swelling buds appear,
And one by one their tender leaves unfold,
As if they knew that warmer suns were near,
Nor longer sought to hide from winter’s cold;

And when with darker growth thy leaves are seen
To veil from view the early robin’s nest,
I love to lie beneath thy waving screen,
With limbs by summer’s heat and toil oppress’d;

And when the autumn winds have stript thee bare,
And round thee lies the smooth, untrodden snow,
When naught is thine that made thee once so fair,

I love to watch thy shadowy form below,
And through thy leafless arms to look above
On stars that brighter beam when most we need their love.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Hide and Seek

“Hide and Seek” was written and originally performed by the British singer-songwriter Imogen Heap off her second album entitled Speak for Yourself. It was originally recorded using her voice and a Vocoder, which is an apparatus by which the human voice is digitized and altered. The effect is rather otherworldly, hearkening to the experimental music of Laurie Anderson in the 1970’s. The text for the song is a bit esoteric, but broadly describes the feelings and emotions of a recently broken up with lover as she realizes her former significant other is in fact, not coming back. Specifically, the lyrics reference such visual memories as the “crop circles in the carpet” left by recently vacated furniture and “Oily marks on walls” where photographs of the lovers once hung. The original version of this song appeared on Network Primetime Television shows like FOX’s The O.C. and the CBS drama CSI: Miami. The song was arranged for such a choral ensemble as Octarium by the fine composer/arranger Joseph Bates out of North Carolina.

“Mad World” was written by Roland Orzabal, the co-founder of the British band Tears for Fears. Originally recorded by Tears for Fears in 1982, the song was reintroduced into the popular lexicon by the 2001 film Donnie Darko in a version covered by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules. This cover version inspired our very own Ashley Winters to arrange it for Octarium, citing its minimalist origins and haunting melody and lyrics.

Hotel California

It’s time to take a very brief tour through the 70s and 80s. “Hotel California” was a huge hit for the Eagles in 1977 off of its concept album of the same name. In 1983, “Africa” was a number one single for the totally underrated band Toto.

Both songs will feature Jay Van Blaricum on lead while the rest of us tool around as guitars and synthesizers.

When You Say Nothing At All

Ronan Keating’s “When You Say Nothing At All” and Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes.”

“When You Say Nothing At All” was written late one night by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, who later said they were trying to find a new way to say nothing when the song came to them. It was first recorded by Keith Whitley in the 80’s and later made popular by Allison Krauss. In 1995 it won a CMA award for “Single of the Year.” Ronan Keating’s version of the song also appeared in the 1999 movie Notting Hill. Our arrangement will feature Renee Stanley singing the solo and Andrea Coleman and Jay Van Blaricum singing back-up. The rest of us will be doing our best impersonation of guitars and pianos.

The phrase “…so it goes…” was coined by Kurt Vonnegut in his book Slaughterhouse Five. He used this phrase 106 times in his book, using it to deal with death, mortality, and life transitions. It was used to lighten the mood after a particularly depressing or horrible event. Billy Joel used this phrase in his song “And So It Goes” at the end of his relationship with is wife, Elizabeth. Tonight we are singing an arrangement by Bob Chillcott, featuring Brady Shepherd.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Should Have Been Choral, June 2007.

Over Hill, over Dale

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM ACT II SCENE I.

Over hill, over dale,
Thorough bush, thorough brier,
Over park, over pale,
Thorough flood, thorough fire,
I do wander everywhere,
Swifter than the moon’s sphere;
And I serve the fairy queen,
To dew her orbs upon the green.
The cowslips tall her pensioners be:
In their gold coats spots you see;
Those be rubies, fairy favours,
In those freckles live their savours;
I must go seek some dew-drops here,
And hang a pearl in every cowslip’s ear.

Come Unto These Yellow Sands

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE THE TEMPEST ACT I SCENE II

Come unto these yellow sands,
And then take hands:
Curtsied when you have, and kiss’d,
The wild waves whist,
Foot it featly here and there;
And, sweet sprites, the burden be

Through the House Give Glimmering Light

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM ACT V SCENE II

Through the house give glimmering light,
By the dead and drowsy fire:
Every elf and fairy sprite
Hop as light as bird from brier:
And this ditty, after me,
Sing and dance it trippingly.
First, rehearse your song by rote,
To each word a warbling note;
Hand in hand, with fairy grace,
Will we sing, and bless this place.

This pieces were performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.

The Poor Soul Sat Sighing

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE OTHELLO ACT IV SCENE III

The poor soul sat sighing near a sycamore tree
Sing O the green willow,
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee,
Sing O the green willow, the green willow tree.
The cold streams ran by her, her eyes wept apace,
The salt tears fell from her and drowned her face.
Farewell youth, false-hearted plaints end with my breath
Sing O the green willow.

(text modified by Beckwith)

This piece was performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.

Tale of a Dog and A Bee

Great big dog, head upon his toes.
Tiny little bee settles on his nose.
Great big dog thinks it is a fly.
Never says a word, winks very sly.
Tiny little bee, tickles dog’s nose.
Thinks like as not ‘tis a pretty rose.
Dog smiles a smile, winks his other eye,
Chuckles to himself how he’ll catch a fly.
Then he makes a snap, very quick and spry.
Does his level best but doesn’t catch the fly.
Tiny little bee, alive and looking well.
Great big dog mostly gone to swell.

Dear friends and brothers all
Don’t be too fast and free
And when you catch a fly
Be sure it’s not a bee.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Riddle Me This — Answer: The Cow

Four stiff standers,
Four dilly-danders,
Two lookers,
Two crookers,
And a wig-wag!

Riddle Me This — Answer: The Egg

In marble halls as white as milk,
Lined with a skin as soft as silk,
Within a fountain crystal-clear,
A golden apple doth appear.
No doors there are to this stronghold,
Yet thieves break in and steal my gold.

Riddle Me This — Answer: The Snow

White bird featherless
Flown from Paradise,
Onto the castle wall;
Along came Lord Landless,
Took it up handless,
Rode away horseless
To the King’s white hall.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Still, Still Night

Silent Night, Holy Night,
Son of God, Love’s pure light.
Radiant beams from thy holy face.
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Christ the Saviour is born.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Alleluia.

Silent Night, Holy Night,
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly Peace.
Son of God, Alleluia.
Still, still night, Alleluia.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2006.

Sanctus from Missa Brevis

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth; pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts; Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna in excelsis
Hosanna in the highest.

This piece was performed on Masstiche, February 2010

Ave Maria

Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae
The Angel of the Lord announced to Mary
Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.
And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
You are blessed among women
et benedictus fructus ventris tui: Jesus.
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Sancta Maria, mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners
nunc et in hora mortis nostrae.
now and in the hour of our death.
Amen.

Ecce ancilla Domini
Behold the handmaiden of the Lord
Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.
Do to me according to your word.

Ave Maria…

Et verbum caro factum est
And the Word was made flesh
Et habitavit in nobis.
And dwelt among us.

Ave Maria…

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Saints and Angels Concert, October 2004.

Modern Musick

We are met for a Concert of modern invention;
To tickle the Ear is our present intention.
The Audience are seated expecting to be treated with a piece of the best.
And since we all agree to set the Tune on E,
The Author’s darling Key he prefers to the Rest.

Let the Bass take the Lead and firmly proceed,
Till all the Parts are agreed to fuge away.
Let the Tenor succeed and follow the Lead,
Till all the Parts are agreed to fuge away.
Let the Counter inspire the Rest of the Choir, Inflamed with Desire to fuge away
Let the Treble in the Rear no longer forbear, But expressly declare for a Fuge away

Then change to brisker Time and up the Ladder climb, and down again
Then mount the second Time and end the Strain.

Then change the Key to pensive Tones and slow in treble Time;
The Notes exceeding low keep down a While
Then rise by slow Degrees
The process surely will not fail to please.

Through Common and Treble we jointly have run
We’ll give you their Essence compounded in one.
Although we are strongly attached to the rest,
Six Four is the Movement that pleases us best.

And now we address you as Friends to the Cause;
Performers are modest and write their own Laws.
Although we are sanguine and clap at the Bars,
‘Tis the Part of the Hearers to clap their Applause.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003.

Rainsong

Clouds hang heavy above the plain
They bring the smell of a summer rain,
And my heart, it is heavy too,
And my spirits are heavy too.
(See how the rains do pour as if forevermore.)

Clouds drift low in a shadowed spell
They bring the memory of one farewell,
When a spirit from life withdrew,
When the soul of my love withdrew.
(See how the rains do pour as if forevermore.)

Raindrops fall from a sodden sky
They drum a querulous lullaby
As in memory of one who sleeps,
As if crooning to one who sleeps.
(See how the rains do pour as if forevermore.)

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006 and Listener’s Choice, February 2011.

Hymn to St. Cecilia op. 27
A Hymn to the Virgin

BENJAMIN BRITTEN (1913-1976)
TEXT: W.H. AUDEN (1907-1973)

<h3>I.</h3>
In a garden shady this holy lady
With reverent cadence and subtle psalm,
Like a black swan as death came on
Poured forth her song in perfect calm:
And by ocean’s margin this innocent virgin
Constructed an organ to enlarge her prayer,
And notes tremendous from her great engine
Thundered out on the Roman air.
Blonde Aphrodite rose up excited,
Moved to delight by the melody,
White as an orchid she rode quite naked
In an oyster shell on top of the sea;
At sounds so entrancing the angels dancing
Came out of their trance into time again,
And around the wicked in Hell’s abysses
The huge flame flickered and eased their pain.
Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions
To all musicians, appear and inspire:
Translated Daughter, come down and startle
Composing mortals with immortal fire.

<h3>II.</h3>
I cannot grow;
I have no shadow
To run away from,
I only play.
I cannot err;
There is no creature
Whom I belong to,
Whom I could wrong.
I am defeat
When it knows it
Can now do nothing
By suffering.
All you lived through,
Dancing because you
No longer need it
For any deed.
I shall never be Different. Love me.
Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions
To all musicians, appear and inspire:
Translated Daughter, come down and startle
Composing mortals with immortal fire.

<h3>III.</h3>
O ear whose creatures cannot wish to fall,
O calm of spaces unafraid of weight,
Where Sorrow is herself, forgetting all
The gaucheness of her adolescent state,
Where Hope within the altogether strange
From every outworn image is released,
And Dread born whole and normal like a beast
Into a world of truths that never change:
Restore our fallen day; O re-arrange.
O dear white children casual as birds,
Playing among the ruined languages,
So small beside their large confusing words,
So gay against the greater silences
Of dreadful things you did: O hang the head,
Impetuous child with the tremendous brain,
O weep, child, weep, O weep away the stain,
Lost innocence who wished your lover dead,
Weep for the lives your wishes never led.
O cry created as the bow of sin Is drawn across our trembling violin.
O weep, child, weep, O weep away the stain.
O law drummed out by hearts against the still
Long winter of our intellectual will.
That what has been may never be again.
O flute that throbs with the thanksgiving breath
Of convalescents on the shores of death.
O bless the freedom that you never chose.
O trumpets that unguarded children blow
About the fortress of their inner foe.
O wear your tribulation like a rose.
Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions
To all musicians, appear and inspire:
Translated Daughter, come down and startle
Composing mortals with immortal fire.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003, A Cappella Masterpieces, April 2005 and Saints and Angels, April 2008.

This piece is also featured on Octarium’s self-titled debut recording.

Os Justi

Os justi meditabitur sapientiam,
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
et lingua ejus loquetur judicium.,
and his tongue speaks what is just.
Lex Dei ejus in corde ipsius:,
The law of his God is in his heart;
et non supplantabuntur gressus ejus. Alleluia.,
and his feet do not falter. Alleluia.

This piece was performed on Essentials – The Concert, October 2008 and on Listener’s Choice, February 2011.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2008 release, Essentials.

Ave Verum Corpus

Ave, verum corpus natum de Maria Virgine:
Hail the true body, born of the Virgin Mary:
vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine:
You who truly suffered and were sacrificed on the cross for the sake of man
cuius latus perforatum unda fluxit et sanguine:
From whose pierced flank flowed water and blood:
esto nobis praegustatum, in mortis examine.
Be a foretaste for us in the trial of death.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s A Cappella Masterpieces Concert, April 2005.

Puer Natus Est Nobis

Puer natus est nobis
A boy is born to us,
Et filius datus est nobis
And a son is given to us,
Cuius imperium super humerum eius
upon whose shoulders authority rests,
Et vocabitur nomen eius
and His name will be called
Magni consilii Angelus
The Angel of Great Counsel

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2006.

Sanctus and Benedictus from Mass for Four Voices

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts.
Pleni sunt coeli et terra Gloria tua.
Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.
Osanna in excelsis.
Hosanna in the highest.

Benedictus qui venit
Blessed is He that cometh
in nomine Domini.
in the name of the Lord.
Osanna in excelsis.
Hosanna in the highest.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Saints and Angels Concert, October 2004 and Saints and Angels, April 2008, Essentials – The Concert, October 2008 and Masstiche, February 2010.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2008 release, Essentials.

Sing Joyfully

TEXT BASED ON PSALM 81

Sing joyfully unto God our strength
Sing loud unto the God of Jacob.
Take the song and bring forth the timbrel,
The pleasant harp and the viol.
Blow the trumpet in the new moon,
Even in the time appointed and at our feast day.
For this is a statute for Israel and a law of the God of Jacob.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003.

Je suis déshéritée

Je suis déshéritée,
I’m broke,
Puisque j’ai perdu mon ami.
because I lost my friend.
Seullet’ il m’a laissée,
He left me, now I’m alone,
Pleine de pleurs et de souci.
full of tears and sorrow.
Rossignol du bois joli,
Nightingale in the woods
Sans point faire demeurée,
go immediately
Va t‘en dire à mon ami
and tell my friend
Que pour lui suis tourmentée.
that I’m tormented for his sake.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Salve puerule

Salve, puerule,
Hail, little child,
salve, tenellule,
hail, tender babe,
O nate parvule,
O tiny child,
quam bonus es.
how good you are.
Tu coelum deseris,
You leave heaven
tu mundo nasceris,
and are born in the world for us,
Nobis te ut miseris
making yourself like us
Assimiles.
poor wretches.

This piece was performed on Holidays with Octarium, December 2005, Holidays with Octarium – Greatest Hits, December 2008 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2010.

O Magnum Mysterium

O magnum mysterium
O great mystery
et admirabile sacramentum
and wondrous sacrament
ut animalia viderent Dominum
that animals should see the Lord
natum, jacentem in praesepio.
born, lying in a manger.
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
meruerunt portare
was worthy to bear the
Dominum Christum. Alleluia!
Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!
Domine audivi auditum tuum
Lord, I heard your instruction
et timui consideravi opera tua
and I feared and considered your works
et expavi in medio duorum anumalium.
and I trembled in the midst of two animals

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas with Octarium, December 2003 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2005, Holidays with Octarium – Greatest Hits, December 2008 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2010.

• And So It Goes
• The Gift
• The Gift to be Simple
• MLK
• Rosa Mystica (Canon in D)
• Texas Girl at the Funeral of her Father

And So It Goes

BILLY JOEL (B. 1949)
ARR. CHILCOTT (B.1955)

In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along

I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense

And every time I’ve held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

And this is why my eyes are closed
It’s just as well for all I’ve seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you’re the only one who knows

So I would choose to be with you
That’s if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break

And so it goes, and so it goes
And you’re the only one who knows

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Should Have Been Choral, June 2007 and Should Have Been Choral, May, 2009.

The Gift

TRADITIONAL SHAKER TUNE
TEXT: TONY VINCENT ISAACS

The gift we deliver, the gift we receive
Is the living spirit Mary did conceive,
The royal gift of love incandescent flame
Is given to all mankind in his name.
Joy, joy it is our true delight
To receive on this wondrous night
A boy child to Mary is born
And his light will shine on beyond the dawn.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2004.

MLK

links to Should Have Been Choral 2008

Rosa Mystica (Canon in D)

links to Should Have Been Choral 2008

Texas Girl at the Funeral of her Father

links to Should Have Been Choral 2008

• Set Me As A Seal
• Sigh No More Ladies

Set Me As A Seal

Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm;
For love is as strong as death,
Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor can the floods drown it.
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm;
For love is as strong as death.

Text: Song of Solomon
This piece was performed on Octarium’s A Cappella Masterpieces Concert, April 2005 and Modern Masters, November 2009.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2009 release, Modern Masters.

Sigh No More Ladies

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, ACT II SCENE III

Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more;
Men were deceivers ever;
One foot in sea, and one on shore;
To one thing constant never:
Then sigh not so,
But let them go,
And be you blithe and bonny;
Converting all your sounds of woe
Into, Hey nonny, nonny.
Sing no more ditties, sing no more.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.

Fireflies

When the purple evening shadows
Darken over grassy meadows
Settle down on dewy meadows
Where the daisies grow.

When the silent starts are brightening
Then like sparks of tiny lightening
Vivid sparks of harmless lightening,
Swarms of fireflies go.

In the dark entrancing, glancing,
As if living stars were dancing,
As if twinkling stars came dancing
Thousands of them there.

Every merry little fellow
Bears a lamp of greenish yellow
Soft and cool and bright and mellow,
Gleaming in the air.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

When I’m Sixty Four

links to Should Have Been Choral • June 2007

Credo from Missa Confitemini

Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem,
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty
factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium.
Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible:
Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum,
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula.
the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds;
Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God;
genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri;
begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father,
per quem omnia facta sunt.
by Whom all things were made;
Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven.
Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est.
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man:
Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est,
And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried:
et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas,
And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures:
et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris.
And ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father:
Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos,
And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead:
cuius regni non erit finis;
Whose Kingdom will have no end;
Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem,
And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life,
qui ex Patre Filioque procedit.
Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son
Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur:
Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified,
qui locutus est per prophetas.
Who has spoken through the Prophets.
Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.
And I believe in One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church,
Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum,
And I look for the Resurrection of the Dead:
et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.
And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

This piece was performed on Masstiche, February 2010.

Hark the Lark

 

BENJAMIN COOKE (1734-1793)
STEVEN STUCKY (B. 1949)

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE CYMBELINE ACT II, SCENE III

Hark, hark! the lark at heaven’s gate sings,
And Phoebus ‘gins arise,
His steeds to water at those springs
On chaliced flowers that lies;
And winking Mary-buds begin
To ope their golden eyes:
With every thing that pretty is,
My lady sweet, arise:
Arise, arise.

Hark, hark! the lark at heaven’s gate sings,
And Phoebus ‘gins arise,
His steeds to water at those springs
On chaliced flowers that lies;
And winking Mary-buds begin
To ope their golden eyes:
With every thing that pretty is,
My lady sweet,
arise: Arise, arise.

These pieces were performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man’s hat
If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do
If you haven’t got a ha’penny then God bless you.

This piece was performed on Holidays with Octarium, December 2005.

Africa

PAICH AND PORCARO

I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She’s coming in the 12:30 flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation

I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say
“Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you!”

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what’s right
Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti

I seek to cure what’s deep inside
Frightened of this thing that I’ve become

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa,
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Should Have Been Choral, June 2007 and Should Have Been Choral, May, 2009.

Betelehemu

Awa yiori Baba gbojule
We are glad we have a Father to trust
Awa yiori Baba fehenti
We are glad we have a Father to rely on
Nibo labi Jesu
Where was Jesus born?
Nibo lagbe bii
Where was he born?
Betelehemu ilu ara
In Bethlehem the city of wonder
Nibo labi Baba o daju
That is where the Father was born for sure
Iyin nifuno
Praise be to Him
Adupe fun o jooni
We thank you for the day
Baba oloreo
Gracious Father
Iyin fun o Baba
Praise to you Father
Baba toda wasi
Merciful Father

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2004.

Green Mountains

TEXT: ASHLEY GAROFALO

Green mountains.
Air fresh and fragrant,
colors – a sight to behold.
October’s autumn.

American town:
Covered bridges and gardens,
music on the green,
down the street…

Morning – chilled and grey,
above, the sun shone.
View visible and clear;
imagine it in winter’s white
Ashley Garofalo

Green Mountains won the 2009 Octarium Composition Competition.
This piece was performed on Octarium’s Modern Masters, November 2009.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2009 release, Modern Masters.

Carol of the Drum

“Come,” they told me;
“A new born King to see.
Our finest gifts we’ll bring,
To lay before the King.
So to honor Him
When we come.”

“Baby Jesu,
I am a poor boy too.
I have no gift to bring
That’s fit to give the King;
Shall I play for you
On my drum?”

Mary nodded,
Ox and ass kept time
I played my drum for Him,
I played my best for Him;
Then He smiled at me,
Me and my drum.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2006.

Quant j’ai ouy le Tabourin

Text: by Charles, Duc D’Orleans (1394-1465)

Quant j’ai ouy la tabourin
When I hear the tambourine

Sonner, pour s’en aller au may,
Sound calling us to May,

En mon lit n’en ay fait affray
I did not let it frighten me in my bed

Ne levé mon chief du coissin;
or lift my head from my pillow,

En disant: il est trop matin saying,
“It is too early,

Ung peu je me rendormiray:
I will go back to sleep.”

Jeunes gens partent leur butin;
young jump from partner to partner

De nonchaloir m’accointeray
Not even bothering to remember you

A lui je m’abutineray
From him, I’ll move on

Trouvé l’ay plus prouchain voisin;
Finding a lover who is conveniently close by.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003.

Lo! How a Rose

MICHAEL PRAETORIUS(1571–1621)

Lo, how a rose e’re blooming from tender stem hath sprung,
Of Jesse’s lineage coming as seers of old have sung.
It came, a blossom bright, amid the cold of winter
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind,
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright, she bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

O Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispel in glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True man, yet very God, from sin and death now save us,
And share our every load.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas with Octarium December 2003.

Ubi Caritas

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Where charity and love are, God is there.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.
Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Saints and Angels Concert, October 2004, A Cappella Masterpieces, April 2005 and and Saints and Angels, April 2008 and Essentials – The Concert, October 2008.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2008 release, Essentials.

Carol of the Rose

Of a Rose, a Lovely Rose
Of a Rose is all my song

Listen nobles old and young
How this Rose at outset sprung;
In all this world I know of none
I so desire as that fair Rose.

The Angel Came from Heaven’s tower
To honour Mary in her bower
And said that she should bear the Flower
To break the Devil’s Chain of woe.
Misus est Gabriel Angelus ad mariam virginem desponsatam Joseph.
Send the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary who is betrothed to Joseph.

By that Ave quoth Gabriel
Unbound is man from Eva’s fell
That henceforth we in heaven might dwell
Blessed be the coming of that Rose.

This piece was performed on Holidays with Octarium, December 2005, Holidays with Octarium, December 2007 and Saints and Angels, April 2008.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2007 release, Hodie.

Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s A Cappella Masterpieces Concert, April 2005.

To Music

TEXT: ROBERT HERRICK (1591-1674)

Charm me asleep and melt me so
With thy delicious numbers;
That being ravished, hence I go
Away in easy slumbers.

Ease my sick head, and make my bed,
Thou power that canst sever
From me this ill, and quickly still
Though thou not kill my fever.

Fall on me like a silent dew,
Or like those maiden showers,
Which, by the peep of day do strew,
A baptism over the flowers.

Melt my pains with thy soft strains
That, having ease me given,
With full delight I leave this light,
And take my flight for Heaven.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003.

Somewhere

LEONARD BERNSTEIN (1918-1990)
ARR. EDGERTON

There’s a place for us,
Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere.

There’s a time for us,
Some day a time for us,
Time together with time spare,
Time to learn, time to care,
Some day!

Somewhere.
We’ll find a new way of living,
We’ll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere . . .

There’s a place for us,
A time and place for us.
Hold my hand and we’re halfway there.
Hold my hand and I’ll take you there
Somehow,
Some day,
Somewhere!

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Should Have Been Choral, June 2007 and Should Have Been Choral, May, 2009.

Cucu, cucu

Cucu cucu!
Guarda no lo seas tú.
Be mindful of the bird’s song
Compadre debes saber,
Friend, you must know
que la más buena mujer,
that the best woman
rabia siempre por hoder,
Is constantly raging
harta bien la tuya tú.
To be consoled by you
Compadre has de guardar,
So, friend, you must keep on
para nunca encornudar,
And never give up
si tu mujer sale a mear,
If your woman leaves to piss
sal junto con ella tú.
She’ll take your salt along with her.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Shenandoah

ARR. JAMES ERB (B. 1927)

O Shenandoah, I long to see you
And hear your rolling river
O Shenandoah, I long to see you
‘Way, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri

I long to see your smiling valley
And hear your rolling river
I long to see your smiling valley
‘Way, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri

‘Tis seven long years since last I see thee
And hear your rolling river
‘Tis seven long years since last I see thee
‘Way, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri

This piece was performed on Octarium’s A Cappella Masterpieces Concert, April 2005 and Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s self-titled debut recording.

William Tell Overture

GIOACHINO ANTONIO ROSSINI (1792 – 1868)
ARR. ESCHLIMAN

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Should Have Been Choral, June 2008 and Should Have Been Choral, May, 2009.

Mi Y´mallell

ARR. HERBERT FROMM (1905-1995)

Mi y’maleil g’vurot Yisrael
Who will acclaim the heroes of Israel
Otan my yimneh?
Who can count them?
Hein b’khol do yakum ha gibor
In every generation a hero arises to
Goeil haam
Save the nation.
Sh’ma! Bayam haheim baz’man hazehv
Listen! In the olden times
Makabi moshiyah ufodeh
The Maccabees helped and freed us
Uv’yameinu kol a, Yisrael,
In our time, the whole nation of Israel
Yit’ached yakum l’higael
Will arise and be free.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2004.

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
ARR. FUNK

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium concert December, 2004, and Should Have Been Choral, May, 2009.

• Lo! How a Rose
• Sing me to Heaven

Lo! How a Rose

Lo, how a rose e’re blooming from tender stem hath sprung,
Of Jesse’s lineage coming as seers of old have sung.
It came, a blossom bright, amid the cold of winter
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind,
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright, she bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

O Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispel in glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True man, yet very God, from sin and death now save us,
And share our every load.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas with Octarium, December 2003, Modern Masters, November 2009, Holidays with Octarium, December 2010 and Lessons and Carols sponsored by Tulips on Troost, December 2010.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2009 release, Modern Masters.

Sing Me to Heaven

TEXT: JANE GRINER

In my heart’s sequestered chambers lie truths stripped of poet’s gloss.
Words alone are vain and vacant, and my heart is mute.
In response to aching silence memory summons half-heard voices,
And my soul finds primal eloquence and wraps me in song.

If you would comfort me, sing me a lullaby.
If you would win my heart, sing me a love song.
If you would mourn me and bring me to God,
Sing me a requiem, Sing me to heaven.

Touch in me all love and passion, pain and pleasure,
Touch in me grief and comfort; love and passion, Pain and pleasure.

Sing me a lullaby, a love song, a requiem,
Love me, comfort me, bring me to God:
Sing me a love song, Sing me to heaven.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003, Essentials – The Concert, October 2008 and Listener’s Choice, February 2011.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2008 release, Essentials.

Gloria from Missa Paschalis

Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise You, we bless You, we adore You, we glorify You, we give thanks

propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.
to You for Your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God the Father.

Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi,
Lord Jesus Christ, only begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who taketh away the sins of the world,

miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.
Have mercy on us; You who take away the sins of the world, hear our prayers. Who sits at the right hand of the Father, have mercy upon us.

Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Iesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.
For You are the only Holy One, the only Lord, the only Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father, Amen.

This piece was performed on Masstiche, February 2010.

Kyrie

2me Messe pour les societes chorales

Kyrie eleison
Lord have mercy
Christe elesion
Christ have mercy
Kyrie eleison
Lord have mercy

This piece was performed on Masstiche, February 2010.

Nunc Dimittis

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace
According to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles
And to be the glory of thy people Israel.

This piece was performed on Essentials – The Concert, October 2008.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2008 release, Essentials.

• Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind
• Clair de Lune
• Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE AS YOU LIKE IT ACT II, SCENE VII

Blow, blow, thou winter wind.
Thou art not so unkind
As man’s ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
That dost not bite so nigh
As benefits forgot:
Though thou the waters warp,
Thy sting is not so sharp
As friend remember’d not.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.

Clair de Lune

links to Should Have Been Choral 2008

Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Veni, veni Emmanuel,
Captivum salve Israel
Qui gemit in exilio
Privatus Dei Filio
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel,
Nascetur prote Israel.

O Come, o come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lowly exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Come, thou wisdom from on high
And order all things far and high
To us the path of knowledge flow,
And cause us in her ways to go.
Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2006 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2007, Holidays with Octarium – Greatest Hits, December 2008, Holidays with Octarium, December 2010 and Lessons and Carols sponsored by Tulips on Troost, December 2010.

This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2007 release, Hodie.

• Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind
• Clair de Lune
• Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE AS YOU LIKE IT ACT II, SCENE VII

Blow, blow, thou winter wind.
Thou art not so unkind
As man’s ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
That dost not bite so nigh
As benefits forgot:
Though thou the waters warp,
Thy sting is not so sharp
As friend remember’d not.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.

Clair de Lune

links to Should Have Been Choral 2008

Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Veni, veni Emmanuel,
Captivum salve Israel
Qui gemit in exilio
Privatus Dei Filio
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel,
Nascetur prote Israel.

O Come, o come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lowly exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Come, thou wisdom from on high
And order all things far and high
To us the path of knowledge flow,
And cause us in her ways to go.
Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2006 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2007, Holidays with Octarium – Greatest Hits, December 2008, Holidays with Octarium, December 2010 and Lessons and Carols sponsored by Tulips on Troost, December 2010.

This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2007 release, Hodie.

Music, Spread Thy Voice Around

Music, spread thy voice around,
Sweetly flow the lulling sound.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003.

Faire is the Heaven

Faire is the heaven where happy soules have place
In full enjoyment of felicitie;
Whence they do still behold the glorious face
Of the Divine, Eternall Majestie;
Yet farre more faire be those bright Cherubins
Which all with golden wings are overdight.
And those eternall burning Seraphins
Which from their faces dart out fiery light;
Yet fairer than they both and much more bright
Be the Angels and Archangels
Which attend on God’s owne person without rest or end.
These then in faire each other farre excelling
As to the Highest they approach more neare,
Yet is that Highest farre beyond all telling
Fairer than all the rest which there appeare
Though all their beauties joynd together were;
How then can mortal tongue hope to expresse
The image of such endlesse perfectnesse?

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Saints and Angels Concert, October 2004.

Dixit Maria ad Gabriel

Dixit Maria ad Angelum
Mary said to the Angel:
Ecce ancilla Domine
I am the servant of the Lord,
Fiat mihi
Let it be done to me
Secundum verbum tuum
According to your word.

This piece was performed on Holidays with Octarium, December 2005.

• Agnus Dei from Missa Brevis
• Double Shot (Sweet Honey in the Rock)
• Kyrie from Missa Brevis

Agnus Dei from Missa Brevis

Agnus Dei
Lamb of God
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Who takes away the sins of the world
Miserere nobis
Have mercy on us
Dona nobis pacem
Grant us peace

This piece was performed on Masstiche, February 2010.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s self-titled debut recording.

Double Shot (Sweet Honey in the Rock)

Tell me what chu want
(Sweet honey in the rock)
Come on an’ tell me what chu want
(Sweet honey in the rock)
Tell me, what chu gonna need?
(Sweet honey in the rock)
Tell me how you gonna plead now.
(Sweet honey in the rock)
How will you know?
(Because it tastes like-uh honey.)
Honey in the rock.
Now when Moses struck the burnin’ desert,
what chu think he got?
(Sweet honey in the rock)
It was a holy, it was healin’
an’ when the midnight devils come stealin’
you need a double shot.
(Sweet honey in the rock)
When the soldier struck the dyin’ Jesus,
what chu think he got?
(Sweet honey in the rock)
Come the Master strikin’ at your hard heart,
show him what chu got.
(Sweet honey in the rock)

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Modern Masters, November 2009.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2009 release, Modern Masters.

Kyrie from Missa Brevis

Kyrie eleison
Lord have mercy
Christe elesion
Christ have mercy
Kyrie eleison
Lord have mercy

This piece was performed on Masstiche, February 2010.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s self-titled debut recording.

• Ubi Caritas
• A Christmas Carol
• Quattour Motets

Ubi Caritas

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur.
Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Saecula per infinita saeculorum, Amen.

Where charity and love are, God is there.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

Where charity and love are, God is there.
Unto the ages through infinite ages, Amen.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Saints and Angels Concert, April 2008.

A Christmas Carol

This is Christ the King whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary
Raise this song on high, the virgin sings her lullaby
King of all kings, salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him
The son of Mary

This piece was performed on Holidays with Octarium, December 2005.

Quattour Motets

Creator Alme Siderum
Creator alme siderum, Aeterna lux credentium
Dear Maker of the starts, eternal light of believers
Jesu Redemptor omnium, Intende votes supplicum
Jesus, redeemer of all mankind, Attend to our supplications
Virtus, honor, laus Gloria Deo Patri cum Filio
Virtue, honor, praise and glory be to God the Father,
Sancto simul Paraclito, In saeculorum saecula. Amen.
With the Son, as with the Holy Paraclete, for ages of ages. Amen.

Antiphon

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae:
O Morning Star, splendor of eternal light, and sun of justice:
Veni et illumine sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis.
Come and shine on those seated in darkness and the shadow of death.

Rorate Coeli Desuper

Rorate coeli desuper, et nubes pluant justum.
Heavens, open from above, and from the clouds rain down the Just One.
Vide Domine afflictionem populi tui, et mitte quem missurus es:
See, Lord, the affliction of Thy people, and dispatch Him whom Thou hast sent:
Emitte Agnum dominatorem terrae, de petra deserti ad montem filiae Sion:
Send out the Lamb to rule the earth from the desert rocks to the mountains of the daughters of Zion:
Ut auferat ipse jugum captivitatis nostrae.
And thus take away the yoke that holds us captive.

Hodie Christus Natus Est

Hodie Christus natus est: hodie, Salvator apparuit:
Today Christ is born: today the Savior has appeared:
Hodie in terra canunt Angelie, laetantur Archangeli:
Today the Angels sing on earth, the Archangels rejoice:
Hodie exsultant justi, dicentes: Gloria in excelsis Deo. Alleluia!
Today the righteous exult, saying: Glory to God in the Highest.
Alleluia!

These pieces were performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2006.

Six Chansons

• La Biche — The Doe
• Un Cygne — The Swan
• Puisque tous passe — Since All is Passing
• Printemps — Springtime
• En Hiver — In Winter
• Verger — Orchard

La Biche – The Doe

O la biche; quel bel intérieur
O doe, what lovely ancient forest
d’anciennes forêts dans tes yeux abonde;
depths abound in your eyes;
combien de confiance ronde
how much open trust
mêlée à combien de peur.
mixed with how much fear.
Tout cela, porté par la vive
All this, borne by the brisk
gracilité de tes bonds.
gracility of your bounds.
Mais jamais rien n’arrive
But nothing ever disturbs
à cette impossessive
that unpossessive
ignorance de ton front.
unawareness of your brow.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Un Cygne – The Swan

Un cygne avance sur l’eau
A swan advances over the water
tout entouré de lui-même
all wrapped up in itself
comme un glissant tableau;
like a gliding tableau.
ainsi à certains instants
Thus at certain moments
un être que l’on aime
a being that one loves
est tout un espace mouvant.
seems just like a moving space.
Il se rapproche doublé
He draws near, doubled
comme ce cygne qui nage
like that swan who swims
sur notre âme troublée…
across our troubled soul,
qui à cet être ajoute
who adds to this being
la tremblante image
the trembling image
de bonheur et de doute.
of happiness and of doubt.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Puisque tous passe – Since All is Passing

Puisque tout passe, faisons
Since everything passes,
la mélodie passagère;
let us make fleeting melody;
celle qui nous désaltère
the one that refreshes us
aura de nous raison.
will get the better of us.
Chantons ce qui nous quitte
Let us sing that which is leaving us
avec amour et art,
with love and art;
soyons plus vite
let us be quicker
que le rapide départ.
than its swift departure.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Printemps – Springtime

O mélodie de la sève
O melody of the sap
qui dans les instruments
that rises in the instruments
de tous ces arbres s’élève,
of all these trees,
accompagne le chant
accompany the song
de notre voix trop brève.
of our too-short voices.
C’est pendant quelques mesures
It is only for a few measures
seulement que nous suivons
that we follow
les multiples figures
the manifold figurations
de ton long abandon,
of your long abandon,
ô abondante nature.
O abundant nature.
Quand il faudra nous taire
When it comes time for us to fall silent
d’autres continueront…
others will carry on…
Mais à présent comment faire
But for now what can I do
pour te rendre mon
to make my whole heart
grand coeur complémentaire?
a complement to you?

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

En Hiver – In Winter

En hiver, la mort meurtrière
In Winter, murderous Death
entre dans les maisons;
comes into the houses,
elle cherche la soeur, le père
seeks out sister and father
et leur joue du violon.
and plays to them on the fiddle.
Mais quand la terre remue,
But when the earth turns
sous la bêche du printemps,
under Springtime’s spade
la mort court dans les rues
Death runs through the streets
et salue les passants.
and greets the passers-by.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

Verger – Orchard

Jamais la terre n’est plus réelle
Never is the earth more solid than
que dans tes branches, ô verger blond,
in your branches, O fair orchard,
Ni plus flottante que dans la dentelle
Nor more floating than in the lacework
que font les ombres sur le gazon.
the shadows make upon the grass.
Là se rencontre ce qui nous reste,
There we meet what remains to us,
ce qui pèse et ce qui nourrit,
what has weight and nourishes us,
avec le passage manifeste
along with the manifest passing
de la tendresse infinie.
of infinite tenderness.
Mais à ton centre la calme fontaine,
But at your heart the calm fountain,
presque dormant en son ancien rond,
almost asleep in its ancient circle,
de ce contraste parle à peine,
speaks hardly at all of these contrasts,
tant en elle il se confond.
so much are they mixed up in it.

This piece was performed on Octarium Salutes Nature, April 2006.

In the Bleak Midwinter

TEXT CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, Whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, Whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas with Octarium, December 2003.

A Spotless Rose

A Spotless Rose is blowing,
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers’ foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter,
And in the dark midnight.

The Rose which I am singing,
Whereof Isaiah said,
Is from its sweet root springing
In Mary, purest Maid;
For through our God’s great love and might
The Blessed Babe she bare us
In a cold, cold winter’s night.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2004 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2010.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above.
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King,
And Peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2006.

The Holly and the Ivy

ENGLISH TRADITIONAL CAROL
ARR. REGINALD JAQUES

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown:
O, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom,
As white as lily flow’r,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our dear Saviour: refrain

The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To do poor sinners good: refrain

The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
On Christmas Day in the morn: refrain

The holly bears a bark,
As bitter as the gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
For to redeem us all: refrain

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown: refrain

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas with Octarium, December 2003.

Musica, die ganz lieblich Kunst

Musica, die ganz lieblich Kunst ist ehrenwert zu halten,
Music, the lovely art, should be kept honorable

Hat billig allenthalben Gunst bei Jungen und bei Alten.
Everywhere it finds favor, from young and old.

Sie frischt das Herz, welchs leidet Schmerz, tut all Unmut vertreiben,
It makes the heart fresh, relieves all pain, and drives all displeasure away

Lasst traurig niemand bleiben.
It lets no one be sad.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003.

El Grillo

El grillo è buon cantore
The cricket is a good singer
Che tiene longo verso.
He can sing very long.
Dalle beve grillo canta.
He sings all the time.
Ma non fa come gli altri uccelli.
But he isn’t like the other birds.
Come li han cantato un poco,
If they’ve sung a little bit
Van de fatto in altro loco
They go somewhere else
Sempre el grillo sta pur saldo.
The cricket always remains where he is.
Quando la maggior el caldo
When the heat is very fierce
Al’hor canta sol per amore.
Then he sings only for love.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003 and Essentials – The Concert, October 2008.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2008 release, Essentials.

Credo from Missa in a

Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem,
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty
factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium.
Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible:
Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum,
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula.
the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds;
Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God;
genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, per quem omnia facta sunt.
by Whom all things were made;
Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven.
Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est.
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man:
Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est,
And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried:
et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas,
And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures:
et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris.
And ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father:
Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos,
And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead:
cuius regni non erit finis;
Whose Kingdom will have no end;
Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem,
And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life,
qui ex Patre Filioque procedit.
Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son
Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur:
Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified,
qui locutus est per prophetas.
Who has spoken through the Prophets.
Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.
And I believe in One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church,
Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum,
And I look for the Resurrection of the Dead:
et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.
And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

This piece was performed on Masstiche, February 2010.

Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight.
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He’ll say: “Are you married?”
We’ll say: “No man,
But you can do the job
When you’re in town.”

Later on, we’ll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we’ve made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he’s a circus clown
We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kiddies knock him down.

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December

Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves

On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens

On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four Calling Birds

On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Golden Rings

On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Geese a Laying

On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Swans a Swimming

On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eight Maids a Milking

On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine Ladies Dancing

On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Lords a Leaping

On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven Pipers Piping

On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Twelve Drummers Drumming

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2007, Holidays with Octarium – Greatest Hits, December 2008 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2010.

It was a Lover and His Lass

SETTINGS BY
THERON KIRK (1919-1999)
MICHAEL LARKIN (B. 1951)
JOHN RUTTER (B. 1945)

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE AS YOU LIKE IT ACT V SCENE III

It was a lover and his lass,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
That o’er the green corn-field did pass,
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.

Between the acres of the rye,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
These pretty country folks would lie,
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.

This carol they began that hour,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
How that a life was but a flower
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.

And therefore take the present time,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino;
For love is crowned with the prime
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.

These pieces were performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.

Jingle Bells

ARR. LANGFORD

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas with Octarium, December 2003, Holidays with Octarium – Greatest Hits, December 2008 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2010.

It was a Lover and His Lass

SETTINGS BY
THERON KIRK (1919-1999)
MICHAEL LARKIN (B. 1951)
JOHN RUTTER (B. 1945)

TEXT: SHAKESPEARE AS YOU LIKE IT ACT V SCENE III

It was a lover and his lass,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
That o’er the green corn-field did pass,
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.

Between the acres of the rye,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
These pretty country folks would lie,
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.

This carol they began that hour,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
How that a life was but a flower
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.

And therefore take the present time,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino;
For love is crowned with the prime
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.

These pieces were performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004.

Four Valentines: A Lover’s Journey

i. In The Still Garden

O bella bionda,
Sei come l’ onda!
Of a cool sweet dew and radiance mild
The moon a web of silence weaves
In the still garden where a child
Gathers the simple salad leaves.

A moondew stars her hanging hair
And moonlight kisses her brow
And, gathering, she sings an air:
Fair as the wave is, fair art thou!

Be mine, I pray, a waxen ear
To shield me from her childish croon
And mine a shielded heart for her
Who gathers simples of the moon.

Simples,1915, James Joyce (1882-1941)

ii. St. Valentine’s Day

Good morning, it is St. Valentine’s Day,
So early before sunshine.
I, young maid at the window,
Will be your Valentine.

The young man put trousers on,
Opened the chamber door,
Let in the maid who as a maid
Departed nevermore.

By St. Nicholas and Charity,
A shameless breed!
A young man does it when he can,
For truth, that is not right.
She said: Before you trifled with me,
You promised me to wed.
I’d not by sunlight break my word
If you had not come in.

Hamlet Act V, Scene V – William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

iii. Will you, nill You

Will you, nill you, I will marry you.

The Taming of the Shrew, Act II, Scene I – William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

iv. Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?

Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed:
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed.
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st,
Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st;

So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long loves this, and this gives life to thee.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Olà! O che bon eccho!

Olà, o che bon eccho! Pigliamoci piacere!
Hello Echo! I like the joke!

Ridiamo tutti! O bon compagno!
Everybody do it! O what a fun friend!

Che voi tu? Voria che tu cantassi una canzona?
Is that you? Would you like to sing a song?

Perchè? Perchè sí? Perchè no?
Why? Why not?

Perchè non voglio? Perchè non voi?
Why don’t you want to?

Perchè non mi piace!
That doesn’t make me very happy.

Taci dico! Taci tu! O gran poltron!
Stop talking! Stop! You big fool.

Signor, sí! Orsù non piu! Andiamo!
Yes, you sir. Let’s not do this anymore. We’re going.

Addio, bon’eccho! Rest’in pace!
Goodbye, echo. Rest in peace.

Basta!
Enough!

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003 and Listener’s Choice, February 2011.

Contre Qui Rose

MORTEN LAURIDSEN (B. 1943)
TEXT RAINER MARIA RILKE (1875 – 1926)

Contre Qui, Rose,
Against whom, rose,
avez-vous adopté ces épines?
Have you assumed these thorns?
Votre joie trop fine vous a-t-elle forcée
Is it your too fragile joy that forced you
de devenir cette chose armée?
to become this armed thing?

Mais de qui vous protège cette arme exagérée?
But from whom does it protect you, this exaggerated defense?
Combien d’ennemis vous ai-je enlevés
How many enemies have I lifted from you
qui ne la craignaient point?
who did not fear it at all?
Au contraire, d’été en automne,
On the contrary, from summer to autumn
vous blessez les soins qu’on vous donne.
you wound the affection that is given you.
         from Les Roses, English translation by Barbara and Erica Muhl

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Modern Masters, November 2009.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2009 release, Modern Masters.

O magnum mysterium

O magnum mysterium
O great mystery
et admirabile sacramentum
and wondrous sacrament
ut animalia viderent Dominum
that animals should see the Lord
natum, jacentem in praesepio.
born, lying in a manger.
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
meruerunt portare
was worthy to bear the
Dominum Christum. Alleluia!
Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas with Octarium, December 2003 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2006 and Holidays with Octarium, December 2007, Holidays with Octarium – Greatest Hits, December 2008, Holidays with Octarium, December 2010 and Lessons and Carols sponsored by Tulips on Troost, December 2010.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2007 release, Hodie.

Down in the River to Pray

ARR. PHILIP LAWSON

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way!

O sisters let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sisters let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord show me the way

O brothers let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
Come on brothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way

O fathers let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O fathers let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord show me the way

O mothers let’s go down
Come on down, don’t you wanna go down?
Come on mothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studding about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way

O sinners, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sinners, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord show me the way

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Should Have Been Choral, June 2007 and Should Have Been Choral, May, 2009.

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child

TEXT FROM THE PAGEANT OF THE SHEARMAN AND TAILORS, COVENTRY, 15TH CENTURY
Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child. By, by, lully, lullay.

O! Sisters too how may we do for to preserve this day
This pore youngling for whom we sing, by, by, lully, lullay!

Herod, the king in his raging charged he hath this day
His men of might in his own sight all children young to slay.

That woe is me poor child for thee!
And ever morn and may
For thy parting nor say nor sing
“By, by, lully, lullay”

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Christmas with Octarium, December 2003.

Blackbird

LENNON (1940-1980)
MCCARTNEY (B. 1942)
ARR. RUNSWICK

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark black night.

When I’m Sixty Four

link to Should Have Been Choral, June 2007

I Will

link to Should Have Been Choral, June 2007

Sanctus from Simple Mass

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts.
Pleni sunt coeli et terra Gloria tua.
Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.
Osanna in excelsis.
Hosanna in the highest.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Saints and Angels Concert, October 2004 and Saints and Angels, April 2008 and Essentials – The Concert, October 2008.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2008 release, Essentials.

Still, Still, Still

Still, still still one can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed the world is sleeping
Holy Star its vigil keeping
Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.
The night is peaceful all around you
Close your eyes let sleep surround you
Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.

Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Holidays with Octarium, December 2006.
This piece is also featured on Octarium’s 2007 release, Hodie.

The Lord Bless You and Keep You

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious unto you.
Amen.

This piece was performed on Octarium’s A Cappella Masterpieces Concert, April 2005 and Listener’s Choice, February 2011.