Description
for soloists and SATB unaccompanied Inspired by Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil, Vespers is a 12-movement English-language work in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Suited to concert and liturgical settings, it draws from a variety of Orthodox chant traditions, with Sheehan's use of asymmetric metres enhancing the textual expression of the chosen prayers, psalms, and hymns. The work is infused with a deep religious sentiment, and the artful use of chiasmus places the ancient hymn 'Phos Hilaron' ('O gladsome Light') at its centre, defining its supreme message of light and hope. Virtuosic solos are underpinned by rich choral textures or offset by characterful interjections, with movements for chorus alone equal in impact. In a work that considers the past, present, and future of Orthodox liturgical music in America, Sheehan creates a distinctly American idiom rooted in the centuries-old Eastern Orthodox musical tradition, displaying a unique voice that is cohesively ancient and modern.
About the Author
Two-time GRAMMY (R) nominee and American Prize-winner Benedict Sheehan has been called 'a choral conductor and composer to watch in the 21st century' (ConcertoNet) and 'a remarkable musician' (Choral Journal). He is Director of Music at St. Tikhon's Seminary and Monastery in Pennsylvania, and Artistic Director and Founder of the Saint Tikhon Choir and Artefact Ensemble. His works are published by Oxford University Press and others, and his award-winning choral recordings and performances have received widespread critical acclaim.
Reviews
[This music] is seriously well-crafted and its intricacy and detail are part and parcel of the whole. The score shows careful (but never fussy) use of dynamics, and the word-setting is sensitive and highly effective. * Jeremy Summerly, Choir and Organ *
A masterpiece... Sheehan is a sculptor moulding the high-level resources at his disposal to present us with a moving experience of musical art It is not too early to add Benedict Sheehan to any list of choral composers and conductors to watch in the 21st century. There seems to be no limit to his melodic and harmonic inventiveness and his ability to use music as a medium for expressing spirituality or, if you prefer, strong emotional feelings grounded in intelligence and tradition. * Linda Holt, ConcertoNet *
Glorious... Brilliant... luminous and uplifting... [a] sense of opening and growing light * Brian Morton, Choir and Organ *
Unique musical genius...cements Sheehan's place in the front ranks of Orthodox liturgical composers not only in the USA but throughout the world * James A. Altena, Fanfare Magazine *
Book Information
ISBN 9780193560710
Author Benedict Sheehan
Page Count 132
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 388g
Dimensions(mm) 277mm * 215mm * 10mm
About the Author
Two-time GRAMMY (R) nominee and American Prize-winner Benedict Sheehan has been called 'a choral conductor and composer to watch in the 21st century' (ConcertoNet) and 'a remarkable musician' (Choral Journal). He is Director of Music at St. Tikhon's Seminary and Monastery in Pennsylvania, and Artistic Director and Founder of the Saint Tikhon Choir and Artefact Ensemble. His works are published by Oxford University Press and others, and his award-winning choral recordings and performances have received widespread critical acclaim.
Reviews
[This music] is seriously well-crafted and its intricacy and detail are part and parcel of the whole. The score shows careful (but never fussy) use of dynamics, and the word-setting is sensitive and highly effective. * Jeremy Summerly, Choir and Organ *
A masterpiece... Sheehan is a sculptor moulding the high-level resources at his disposal to present us with a moving experience of musical art It is not too early to add Benedict Sheehan to any list of choral composers and conductors to watch in the 21st century. There seems to be no limit to his melodic and harmonic inventiveness and his ability to use music as a medium for expressing spirituality or, if you prefer, strong emotional feelings grounded in intelligence and tradition. * Linda Holt, ConcertoNet *
Glorious... Brilliant... luminous and uplifting... [a] sense of opening and growing light * Brian Morton, Choir and Organ *
Unique musical genius...cements Sheehan's place in the front ranks of Orthodox liturgical composers not only in the USA but throughout the world * James A. Altena, Fanfare Magazine *
Book Information
ISBN 9780193560710
Author Benedict Sheehan
Page Count 132
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 388g
Dimensions(mm) 277mm * 215mm * 10mm
