Program Notes
Exaltations is a set of three interstitial works for double choir and brass quintet, written specifically to fit between the works on this program of Gabrieli and Bruckner. I love the sharp, sparkling attack and timbre of brass combined with the sheer breadth and text of the choir — the interplay of those two textures is absolutely fascinating to me. While I have written extensively for both choir and brass, this is the first time I’ve written a work for both combined.
Each movement draws on a single word or phrase — “Gloria in excelsis deo”, “Alleluia” and “Hosanna in excelsis”. I wanted to continue that thread of Latin text on this program, and as someone who grew up Catholic, these words instantly connect me to a deep and rich spiritual tradition. These works are meant to be joyous and contemplative – in praise of God. These works also connect to the Hindustani musical tradition, as each movement is in a different raag (melodic framework): Bageshri, Pratiksha and Megh respectively. Just as music for choir and brass grew out of the Catholic church, Indian classical raga grew out of the Hindu religious practice. This music interweaves the richness of both.
Recording
A commercial recording of this work will be released in the coming months. In the meantime, if you would like to hear an archival recording for programming purposes, please contact us.
Performance Notes
These pieces can be performed as a set, but they were also designed to be performed as interstitial works between short works of Gabrieli and Bruckner. The original program was as follows:
- Andrea Gabrieli: Magnificat a 12
- Bruckner: Christus Factus Est
- Esmail: Exaltations – I. Gloria
- Bruckner: Locus Iste
- Andrea Gabrieli: O Sacrum Convivium a 5
- Esmail: Exaltations – II. Alleluia
- Bruckner: Os Justi
- Giovanni Gabrieli: O Magnum Mysterium a 8
- Esmail: Exaltations – III. Hosanna
Please feel free to be creative in your programming — these works were designed to work in many situations, and there is no ‘right’ way to program them. While the key structure (especially of the Alleluia) is designed to go in and out of these specific pieces, it is also very flexible. You may also program just one or two of the pieces – they don’t need to be performed as a set. (The Alleluia exists as a separate work as well.)
Premiere/Performances
This work was commissioned by Cathedral Choral Society, and premiered by Cathedral Choral Society, conducted by Steven Fox, on March 10 2024.
