Octavo of the Month (December 2007)
Mike Walag, ICDA High School R&S Chair
Ubi Caritas
Ola Gjeilo
Walton/HL
1386/HL08501631
SATB, unaccompanied
3’
Medium Difficulty
This piece, written by Norwegian composer, Ola Gjeilo, received its North American premiere at the 2007 ACDA national convention in Miami, where it was performed by Voces Nordicae. It is written in pseudo chant style, and somewhat reminiscent of Maruice Durufle’s composition of the same text.
The piece opens with monophonic phrases sung by the women, then, adding men’s voices, before expanding into a full four-part texture, on the text, “Christi amor”. Harmonic treatment is rich, mildly contemporary, with natural voice leading. It is receptive to many subtle nuances of tempo, dynamics, and harmonic resolutions.
To hear a recording of this piece, visit www.waltonmusic.com. For more information on this composer, please visit his website at www.olagjeilo.com