Document Type

Honors Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 5-2016

Abstract

For beste of bon and blod is a three-movement choral composition written for advanced or professional SATB choir, a cappella. The work is comprised of three Middle English texts, Nou goth sonne under wod, Foweles in the frith, and Erthe tok of erthe, and the Latin chant Regina Cæli. The three Medieval lyrics, while having been written over two centuries by anonymous authors, were chosen to work together to form a cohesive narrative describing the crucifixion of Christ through his resurrection.

The piece uses techniques of emotional expression, motifs, and text painting to draw out the emotional intensity of the lyrics and to connect each one narratively. The composition process took place over approximately six months and was completed in December of 2015. It was premiered by Euphony, Orono’s chamber choir, as a part of their Spring concert series on May 6, 2016 at the Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston, Maine and on May 7, 2016 at the Church of Universal Fellowship in Orono, Maine.

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