Octavo of the Month (September 2007)
Mike Walag, ICDA High School R&S Chair
Alleluia
Rene Clausen
Santa Barbara Music Publishing
SBMP 557
SSAATTBB, accapella
4’50”
Difficult
This gorgeous Alleluia is at times reminiscent of both the Thompson and the Manuel Alleluias. Like those standards of the choral repertoire, it is extremely well-crafted with rich, thick harmonies sustained through long legato phrases with beautiful voice leading in a basically homophonic texture that is graced with polyphonic treatments.
The piano part (for rehearsal only) will be useful for teaching in high school choirs. Written in 2004, this piece could be performed with an advanced high school choir or a college choir. It incorporates much divisii (individual staves) at the harmonic climax. The ranges of vocal parts are demanding, as well as the range of dynamics and breath control for intense sustained singing. I expect to see this piece on All State repertoire lists.
Visit www.SBMP.com to see the music and hear a midi file (which can be downloaded and used for rehearsal purposes.