Program Notes
The fall concert here at Drexel functions like a “leveling” course in academics: we
do a wide range of pieces intended to bring our returning singers back to the peak skill
level of the previous spring, while we try to teach our new singers the fundamental
skills necessary for the more challenging programs ahead.
This fall, however, we are doing a significantly more difficult program, including a
major work by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Our opening set of pieces include three famous choruses by three of the greatest composers in music history: Joseph Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn and Ludwig van
Beethoven. Each is from an oratorio (in effect, a full opera, but performed without
costumes or scenery and with a text from a sacred subject).
Haydn lived about 50 years after Handel (who wrote Messiah, an oratorio which has
become the most famous choral composition of all time in 1742), and was asked late
in his career to write an oratorio in London similar to those of Handel. Haydn did so,
and his work about the creation of the universe (The Creation) became the greatest success of his long, illustrious career. “The Heavens are Telling” ends the first act of the
oratorio, praising God for his work.
Mendelssohn lived 40 years later but also tried his hand at a Handelian-style oratorio, and the result (Elijah) was an enormous success. Today’s piece, “He Watching over
Israel” comes from the second act of the work and is the Chorus’s attempt to calm the
prophet Elijah, who is in despair over the failure of the people of Israel to acknowledge
the one true God.
Beethoven lived in the period between these other two composers (and studied
composition briefly with Haydn) and is known much more for his symphonies than
for his choral music. But he wrote a fine small setting of the mass (the Mass in C) an
astonishing large setting of the mass (the Missa Solemnis in D) and an oratorio called
Christ on the Mount of Olives. His oratorio was not a success as a whole, but this “Hallelujah Chorus” from it is a wonderful piece, with an ending that evokes his symphonic
writing.
We continue with two settings of spirituals by two different generations of AfricanAmerican arrangers. William Dawson was the first man to really popularize the choral
versions of the Negro spirituals, creating a series of arrangements for his nationallyknown chorus at the Tuskegee Institute School of Music in Alabama in the 1930’s.
This afternoon’s work, Ain’a that good news, provides a good example of his style. More
recently, Moses Hogan did a series of arrangements in a gospel-infused style. Hold On!
demonstrates his approach to this genre.
The Chamber Singers come on stage next with a variety of madrigals, chansons,
and lute songs from the Renaissance period (c. 1600, when Shakespeare was writing
his plays).
The Chorus then returns with our largest work of this afternoon’s concert: Vaughan
Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem.
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) was the preeminent composer of his generation in Great Britain. He was a late bloomer, writing nothing of significance before the
age of 40, but once he found his voice, following a stint studying with Maurice Ravel,
his work helped revitalize the British musical scene. He wrote in all genres, but is
particularly known for his 9 remarkable symphonies, his numerous choral/orchestral
works, his songs and several movie scores written in the 1940’s. While some have tried
to deride him as a “folk-song” composer, his predominant influence is actually the
early Tudor sacred music (Elizabethan period), with its modal harmonies and flexible
treatment of rhythms.
(program notes continued inside)
University Chorus
and Chamber Singers
The
Vaughan Williams
Dona Nobis Pacem
and works by Beethoven, Haydn,
Mendelssohn and others
Sunday, December 6, 2009
3:00 p.m.
Main Auditorium
Program
Jubilate Deo.............................................................................. Michael Fink (1939– )
The Heavens are Telling from “The Creation”................. Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)
Danielle Traitz, soprano
Rich Price, tenor
Matt Lesnak, bass
He Watching over Israel from “Elijah”.................... Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847)
Hallelujah........................................................... Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
from “Christ on the Mount of Olives”
Ain’a that Good News................................................................... arr. William Dawson
Hold On!............................................................................................arr. Moses Hogan
University Chorus
Music to be selected from the following:
Whilst youthful sports............................................... Thomas Weelkes (1575–1623)
Matona mia cara.................................................. Orlando di Lassus (1532?–1594)
Now is the month of maying........................................ Thomas Morley (1557–1603)
Revecy venir du printans............................................ Claude Le Jeune (1528–1600)
Awake mine eyes............................................................. William Byrd (c.1540–1623)
A little pretty bonnie lass............................................... John Farmer (c.1565–1605)
Lady, the silly flea.............................................................. Giles Farnaby (1565–1640)
Chamber Singers
INTERMISSION (10 minutes)
Dona Nobis Pacem.......................................... Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)
I. “Dona Nobis Pacem”
Jennifer Chesterson, soprano
II. “Beat, Beat Drums”
III. “Reconciliation”
Jeremy Toll, tenor
Marielle Octaviano, soprano
IV. “Dirge for Two Veterans”
V./VI. [untitled]
Steve Pribis, baritone
Marielle Octaviano, soprano
Brian Dilts, Keyboard
Steven Powell, Conductor
University Chorus and Percussion
Composed for the centenary of the Huddersfield Choral Society and first performed
on October 2. 1936, Dona Nobis Pacem stands as an eloquent prayer for peace at a time
of impending war. The title words, dona nobis pacem (grant us peace), come from the
Latin Mass, and form the central idea around which the work is built. The other texts
come from a variety of sources including the Scriptures, the poetry of Walt Whitman and
a speech by John Bright delivered in Parliament during a debate on the Crimean War.
(This technique of weaving together a variety of different texts to form a unified statement advocating peace would be used again twenty-five years later by Vaughan Williams’
younger colleague Benjamin Britten in the latter’s monumental War Requiem )
The first movement uses the words of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) from the Latin
mass, which includes the line “dona nobis pacem.” Written for the chorus and soprano
soloist (who is used throughout the work as an “angel of mercy,” reiterating the prayer for
peace), this music returns at various points as a unifying theme.
The scene shifts in the second movement to the chaos and terror of war. Declaiming
the text “Beat! Beat! Drums...” (from Walt Whitman’s Drum Taps) the chorus describes
the harshness of battle. The stark orchestration, the use of open fifths in the chorus, the
repeated trumpet calls, the frenzied rhythmic activity in the strings––all of these details
contribute to a remarkable musical picture of the horrors of war overwhelming the countryside.
The third movement describes the stillness of death following the battle. The “Reconciliation” (also from Drum Taps) of the dead with their maker is described first by the
baritone and then by the chorus. The soprano soloist then reiterates her prayer and the
final peace of death is suggested by an E major ending to a section primarily in E minor.
The scene now moves forward to the funeral of two of the combatants, a son and
father, both of whom died during the battle. The “Dirge for Two Veterans” is also a poem
by Walt Whitman, and was actually set as a standalone piece by Vaughan Williams some
twenty years before the remainder of this cantata. The chorus now plays the role of spectator to the events, feeling the power of the “strong dead march” and offering a personal
statement of love to the veterans who have given their lives in battle.
Movement five opens with the baritone declaiming the words of John Bright, “the
angel of death has been abroad throughout the land ...” followed immediately by the solo
soprano and chorus pleading once again for peace. A canon follows in the chorus to the
Biblical question “Is there no balm in Gilead?” The baritone then suggests there is with
the words: “...in this place will I give peace.” And the chorus sings a message of hope beginning with the basses, “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they
learn war any more...” and continuing in each of the other voices. This vision of peace is
intensified by a series of modulations and increases in tempo and culminates in a setting
of the Christmas message, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill
toward Men.” But the uncertainty of the 1930’s clouds this vision at the end as the solo
soprano and chorus end the cantata with yet another hushed prayer.
Percussion:
Pat Kennedy
Anna Petrone
Jason Varounis
Timpani
Scott Bacon
Keyboard/glock
Xingzi Lin
Plan now to join us for
the Twentieth Annual
Madrigal Dinner
Friday and Saturday
February 26 and 27, 2010
Tickets go on sale January 4.
Call the Department of Performing Arts,
215-895-1275, to order.
Drexel Chorus
Dr. Steven Powell, director
Brian Dilts, accompanist
Drexel Chorus
Dr. Steven Powell, director
Brian Dilts, accompanist
Soprano
Samantha Andrel-------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Chloe Brulia-------------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Meghan Cash------------------------------------------------ Environmental Engineering
Eileen Chang------------------------------------------------------------ Biological Sciences
Jen Chesterson--------------------------------------------------------------- Graphic Design
Christina Curreri------------------------------ Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
Charlotte DiGiorgio-------------------------------------------------------------Architecture
Victoria Fiorenza---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nursing
Sozit Kurtu--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chemistry
Xingzi Lin----------------------------------------------------------Business Administration
Emma Louth--------------------------------------------------------------------- Culinary Arts
Jinny Lu------------------------------------------------------------------- Biological Sciences
Jessica McLaughlin-------------------------------------------------------------------- Nursing
#Johanna Mikitka----------------------------------- Architectural & Civil Engineering
Michelle Neese--------------------------------------------------- Mechanical Engineering
Jessica Neumann----------------------------------------------------------------------- English
•#Marielle Octaviano-----------------------------------------------Information Systems
#Elizabeth Plowman-----------------------------------------------Electrical Engineering
Rebecca Rose--------------------------------------- Entertainment & Arts Management
Nicole Rosen--------------------------------------------------------------------- Film & Video
Laura Salciunas------------------------------------------ Behavioral Health Counseling
Stacey Sassaman------------------------------------------------------------------- Psychology
Fransisca Simanullang--------------------------------------- Business and Engineering
Jamie Tijerina--------------------------------------------------------------- Biology/Pre-Med
Danielle Traitz---------------------------------------------------------------- Graphic Design
Soprano
Samantha Andrel-------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Chloe Brulia-------------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Meghan Cash------------------------------------------------ Environmental Engineering
Eileen Chang------------------------------------------------------------ Biological Sciences
Jen Chesterson--------------------------------------------------------------- Graphic Design
Christina Curreri------------------------------ Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
Charlotte DiGiorgio-------------------------------------------------------------Architecture
Victoria Fiorenza---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nursing
Sozit Kurtu--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chemistry
Xingzi Lin----------------------------------------------------------Business Administration
Emma Louth--------------------------------------------------------------------- Culinary Arts
Jinny Lu------------------------------------------------------------------- Biological Sciences
Jessica McLaughlin-------------------------------------------------------------------- Nursing
#Johanna Mikitka----------------------------------- Architectural & Civil Engineering
Michelle Neese--------------------------------------------------- Mechanical Engineering
Jessica Neumann----------------------------------------------------------------------- English
•#Marielle Octaviano-----------------------------------------------Information Systems
#Elizabeth Plowman-----------------------------------------------Electrical Engineering
Rebecca Rose--------------------------------------- Entertainment & Arts Management
Nicole Rosen--------------------------------------------------------------------- Film & Video
Laura Salciunas------------------------------------------ Behavioral Health Counseling
Stacey Sassaman------------------------------------------------------------------- Psychology
Fransisca Simanullang--------------------------------------- Business and Engineering
Jamie Tijerina--------------------------------------------------------------- Biology/Pre-Med
Danielle Traitz---------------------------------------------------------------- Graphic Design
Alto
Sarah Calvanico---------------------------------------------------------------------------Dance
Chrystina Cappello------------------------------------------- Architectural Engineering
Isatu Conteh----------------------------------------------------- Design & Merchandising
Madison Eggert-Crowe--------------------------------- Political Science/Mathematics
Rachel Hara----------------------------------------------------------------- Communication
Carly Hendricks-----------------------------------------------------------------Still Deciding
Elaine Lubaszka-------------------------------------------------------------- Fashion Design
Karly McAvenia------------------------------------------------------------------ Film & Video
Teri McMahon-----------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Eryn Park---------------------------------------------------------- Design & Merchandising
Samantha Ranagan----------------------------------------------------------------- Nutrition
#Meghan Signora-------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Audrey Simpkins-----------------------------------------------------------------Architecture
•Victoria Spellman------------------------------------------------------ Teacher Education
Alto
Sarah Calvanico---------------------------------------------------------------------------Dance
Chrystina Cappello------------------------------------------- Architectural Engineering
Isatu Conteh----------------------------------------------------- Design & Merchandising
Madison Eggert-Crowe--------------------------------- Political Science/Mathematics
Rachel Hara----------------------------------------------------------------- Communication
Carly Hendricks-----------------------------------------------------------------Still Deciding
Elaine Lubaszka-------------------------------------------------------------- Fashion Design
Karly McAvenia------------------------------------------------------------------ Film & Video
Teri McMahon-----------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Eryn Park---------------------------------------------------------- Design & Merchandising
Samantha Ranagan----------------------------------------------------------------- Nutrition
#Meghan Signora-------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Audrey Simpkins-----------------------------------------------------------------Architecture
•Victoria Spellman------------------------------------------------------ Teacher Education
Tenor
Sean Ballentine-------------------------------------------------------------------Mathematics
Adam Barnett------------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Tenor
Sean Ballentine-------------------------------------------------------------------Mathematics
Adam Barnett------------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Dan Brown----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vincent DeGrandchamp--------------------------------------------- Biological Sciences
Gerard Franklin----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Michael Giovingo-------------------------------------------------------------- Film & Video
William Kehs----------------------------------------------------- Biomedical Engineering
Michael Long-------------------------------------------------------------------- Film & Video
John Mars---------------------------------------------------------------------------Architecture
•#Richard Price------------------------------------------------------ Software Engineering
Andrew Sauber----------------------------------------------------- Computer Engineering
#Alex Schiano---------------------------------------------------------------------- Psychology
#Brian Summers--------------------------------------------------------- Computer Science
#Jeremy Toll--------------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Joe Weidman----------------------------------------------------------------- Graphic Design
Dan Brown----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vincent DeGrandchamp--------------------------------------------- Biological Sciences
Gerard Franklin----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Michael Giovingo-------------------------------------------------------------- Film & Video
William Kehs----------------------------------------------------- Biomedical Engineering
Michael Long-------------------------------------------------------------------- Film & Video
John Mars---------------------------------------------------------------------------Architecture
•#Richard Price------------------------------------------------------ Software Engineering
Andrew Sauber----------------------------------------------------- Computer Engineering
#Alex Schiano---------------------------------------------------------------------- Psychology
#Brian Summers--------------------------------------------------------- Computer Science
#Jeremy Toll--------------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Joe Weidman----------------------------------------------------------------- Graphic Design
Bass
Justin Bendigo---------------------------------------------------- Biomedical Engineering
Matthew Campana-----------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Mathew Cheung---------------------------------- Entertainment & Arts Management
#Chris Curtis------------------------------------------------------Business Administration
Colin Eggert-Crowe--------------------------------------------- Mechanical Engineering
Ben Fasano-------------------------------------------------------------------------Architecture
Terry Foley---------------------------------------------------------Business Administration
Jonathan Greenblatt---------------------------------------------- Computer Engineering
#Tim Hanson----------------------------------------Applied Engineering Technologies
#Matthew Lesnak-------------------------------------------------------- Computer Science
Stephen Lombardelli--------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
#Peter Mowen-----------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Nick Popyack------------------------------------------------ Screenwriting & Playwriting
•#Steven Pribis------------------------------------------------------ Chemical Engineering
James A. Scott-----------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Stefan Seltz-Axmacher-----------------------------------------Business Administration
Aaron Strauss--------------------------------------------------------------- Communication
Levi Toback-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Psychology
Daniel Toll----------------------------------------- Entertainment & Arts Management
Bass
Justin Bendigo---------------------------------------------------- Biomedical Engineering
Matthew Campana-----------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Mathew Cheung---------------------------------- Entertainment & Arts Management
#Chris Curtis------------------------------------------------------Business Administration
Colin Eggert-Crowe--------------------------------------------- Mechanical Engineering
Ben Fasano-------------------------------------------------------------------------Architecture
Terry Foley---------------------------------------------------------Business Administration
Jonathan Greenblatt---------------------------------------------- Computer Engineering
#Tim Hanson----------------------------------------Applied Engineering Technologies
#Matthew Lesnak-------------------------------------------------------- Computer Science
Stephen Lombardelli--------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
#Peter Mowen-----------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Nick Popyack------------------------------------------------ Screenwriting & Playwriting
•#Steven Pribis------------------------------------------------------ Chemical Engineering
James A. Scott-----------------------------------------------------------------Music Industry
Stefan Seltz-Axmacher-----------------------------------------Business Administration
Aaron Strauss--------------------------------------------------------------- Communication
Levi Toback-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Psychology
Daniel Toll----------------------------------------- Entertainment & Arts Management
• Section Leader
• Section Leader
# Pi Nu Epsilon Member
Chamber Singers
Soprano
Chloe Brulia
Christina Curreri
Victoria Fiorenza
Emma Louth
Marielle Octaviano
Tenor
Sean Ballentine
William Kehs
John Mars
Alex Schiano
Alto
Carly Hendricks
Elaine Lubaszka
Eryn Park
Samantha Ranagan
Bass
Chris Curtis
Matthew Lesnak
Peter Mowen
Steve Pribis
Levi Toback
# Pi Nu Epsilon Member
Chamber Singers
Soprano
Chloe Brulia
Christina Curreri
Victoria Fiorenza
Emma Louth
Marielle Octaviano
Tenor
Sean Ballentine
William Kehs
John Mars
Alex Schiano
Alto
Carly Hendricks
Elaine Lubaszka
Eryn Park
Samantha Ranagan
Bass
Chris Curtis
Matthew Lesnak
Peter Mowen
Steve Pribis
Levi Toback