Voice of the River (1998)
Orlovich, Matthew (born in 1970) [ Australia ]
Edition
Published by
Morton Music
[Australia]
, 1999
Ref. :
2041
(9 p.)
Type of material:
Full score
Description
Text in:
English
Epoque:
20th century
(1990-2000)
Genre-Style-Form:
Contemporary ; Secular ; Strophic ; Partsong
Mood of the piece:
con brio
Type of Choir:
SATB (4 mixed voices )
Difficulty choir (incr.from 1 to 5):
3
Difficulty conductor (incr.from A to E):
C
Tonality:
G major
Duration:
5.5 min.
Origin:
Australia
Data about the life of the work:
Music based on traditional materials, effectively used in a fresh new way. Texts and Voice reflects this aspect. It juxtaposes Victor Carells love poem Voice of the River (written in 1992) with excerpts of The Dulcis Jesu Memoria (composed around 1170-1200). The imagery of the first talks of the beloved as the voice of the river, the hymn of the trees, a song from the heart and ends with the words you are love. The second speaks of the joys and frustrations encountered by the hymnist in searching for Jesu, the object of his adoration. Together the texts play off each other to suggest a rich yearning and love for the Divine. This piece was commissioned by a high school choir and could easily find its way into either sacred or secular concerts sung by high school, university or community groups. It is not an anthem, but could well be sung in church. Highly recommended.
