Posts By: willcwhite

Nunc Dimittis

for A Cappella Chorus (à 6)

I wrote this piece specifically to be included on Cedille Record‘s American Choral Premieres CD (released May 2009).  I wrote it with the virtuosity of the William Ferris Chorale in mind.  The liner notes to the disc are the first time that anybody has ever written about my music (besides me).  I really started at the top here — Andrea Lamoreaux wrote such insightful commentary about this piece that I feel it’s only right to quote her:

White’s setting is radically different from most in that he recounts the entire story of which the sentences beginning “Nunc dimittis” (Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace) form the central core.  The result is a miniature narrative cantata in which there are three characters; the infant Jesus, Mary his mother, and the prophet Simeon.  It’s a vivid scene involving both human drama and divine promise.

Buy it on Amazon here, on iTunes here.

Reviews of the album:

classicstoday.com

Chicago Tribune – John von Rhein

sequenza21

Glory to God!

Anthem for choir and orchestra -or- choir, organ, brass, and timpani
(with a little solo soprano bit)

The traditional text for Christmas Eve, this piece was premiered at about 11:30 PM on December 24, 2006.  Here’s the original scoring:

Prepare Ye The Way

https://www.willcwhite.com/audio/02%20Prepare%20Ye%20the%20Way.mp3

Anthem for 2 Flutes, Choir and Organ (or Strings)

The first number from Thy King Cometh, this is my little ode to pastoral music in 6/8. It’s also the fullest realization of my modal ideas.

Here’s a clip from a concert performance of the whole oratorio, re-orchestrated for strings instead of organ. I think it works much better this way:

My Soul Thirsteth

Duet for bass-baritone and violin

This piece is supposed to represent Jesus parched atop the cross. The violinist progressively de-tunes the strings of their instrument. The result is heard clearly at the end of the piece.