Three new choral works are available for listening and purchase — “Cancion de el Alma: en una noche escura,” commissioned by Classical Minnesota Public Radio for the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (premiered 2013); “From the Wingbone of a Swan,” commissioned by The Valborg Choir of the Netherlands (premiered 2013); and “We Bloomed in Spring,” written for the Senior Choir at Plymouth Congregational Church and Philip Brunelle (premiered 2014).
Hill’s three newest choral works continue to emphasize one of her strongest gifts as a composer — her ability to choose and exquisitely set powerful texts. “Cancion del el Alma: en una noche escura” sets one of a trilogy of poems writte by 16th century Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross, most commonly known as “The Dark Night of the Soul.” In “From the Wingbone of a Swan,” Hill partnered with Timothy O’Brien to craft texts that were inspired by an article about paleolithic flutes, humans’ earliest known instrument other than the voice. The poetry of Daniel Ladinsky — inspired by writing of St. Teresa of Avila — shines in “We Bloomed in Spring,” a celebration of hope and life.
Listen to each piece and peruse scores by visiting the Purchase Music page at www.ediehill.com.