PROJECT : ENCORE™: Orchestra

This setting of the Seven Last Words incorporates the theme of Dies Irae throughout the work. Each movement has a different style. A good choir and soloists are needed. The orchestra is relatively small: single winds, FH, Timpany and strings.

Although premiered at Jordan Hall in March 2003 by a children’s chorus (PALS) with baritone soloist, The Voice of Isaac has subsequently been presented with solo adult voices and  can effectly be presented in several possible ways including adult singers (chorus and soloists) only, as well as a combination of adult and children singing choral and solo parts.

Program note [from March 2003 Jordan Hall premiere]:

The Long Bright is an hour-long cantata on breast cancer. The premiere was held at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia and served as a fundraiser. raising over $40,000 for breast cancer research. The Long Bright was awarded the 2005 Theodore Front Prize for Chamber and Orchestral Music from the International Alliance of Women in Music.

A golem is a creature from Jewish folklore, made from mud or clay and brought to life through a Kabbalistic ceremony. The Golem Psalms is a choral cantata for baritone solo, SATB chorus and orchestra based on the 16th Century legend of the Golem of Prague where Rabbi Lowe created a Golem as a protector for the Jewish people. The cantata is structured as a series of 7 tableaus inspired by the story with a libretto, written for this work, by Dr.

"exceptionally beautiful on many counts."
     -- Chestnut Hill Local, Philadelphia
 
"subtle and fragrant -- beautifully scored for both orchestra and chorus."
     -- John Corigliano, composer
 
"an all-too-rare combination of beautiful texts and refreshing, invigorating music."
     -- Johannes Somary, conductor
 

The Genesis of Exultation Mass