Alleluia

Instrumentation

Soprano solo, SATB + divisi + authentic classical orchestra: 2202 / 2200 / Timps / Strings

Score, download - 0.07MB

Other Information

Written for Emma Kirkby, an authentic classical orchestra and a large chorus to follow Laudate Dominum. First performed at Derby Cathedral in March 1999. This movement and its preceding movement, Laudate Dominum, were performed at the Leicestershire Composers´ Concert at Leicester Cathedral on March 23rd 2002 by Katy Tansey [soprano], Leicester Bach Choir and the Chameleon Arts Orchestra conducted by Giles Turner.

At the end of the second movement [although this movement can be performed separately or as a continuation of either movement 1 or 2], the choir alone sings three hushed unaccompanied ‘alleluias’ before a military drum sets the rhythm for the rest of the movement. The voices and orchestra grow from a unison note to a two-part chord, adding a progressive succession of parts until there is a blazing eight-part climax in C major. This soon dies away and the soprano sings the central theme from ‘Laudate Dominum’ as a valedictory ‘alleluia’ before a final fanfare which reflects the conflicting E¨/C major tonalities that are pivotal to the outer movements.

Michael Wheeler [Derby Evening Telegraph - March 1999]:

"It was a sell-out and it deserved to be. Emma Kirkby was in thrillingly radiant and agile voice throughout, the [Derby] Choral Union rose to the occasion magnificently, the Midland Baroque played superbly...and clearly enjoyed the challenges of David Fisher´s very effective and enjoyable Laudate Dominum and Alleluia."

Will Todd [composer]:

"...the addition of the Alleluia -something about the combined structure...makes it very satisfying and seems to make the Laudate Dominum have even more impact. The link into the Alleluia is very magical and provides a genuine point of rhythmic interest from which the whole movement builds. The scoring is very exciting as well -the way it gradually develops but doesnt obscure the choir. Excellent."

Neil Crutchley, Leicester Mercury Review of the Leicestershire Composers concert. Leicester Bach Choir conducted by Giles Turner, 23rd March 2002:

“David Fisher’s colourful and memorable setting of ‘Laudate Dominum’ reflected the composer’s lifelong love of the English Choral tradition. With its ravishing soprano solo [the outstanding Katy Tansy] it made a fine end to a unique and special occasion.”