Here is probably my best choral work, my motet "Vidimus stellam" in 5 voices (SSATB). I would describe the style as Late German Romantic Emulating Stile Antico, ca. 1875, for lack of a better term, and the work is dedicated to the memory of Liechtenstein-born German composer Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901), whose choral music is similar in style.
This motet is for the occasion of the Feast of the Epiphany, traditionally celebrated on January 6, the 12th day after Christmas in Western Christianity, which among other things commemorates the coming of the Magi (wise men) from the Orient to pay homage to the infant Jesus. The Latin text translates:
"We have seen His star in the East, and are come with gifts to adore the Lord."
I made extensive use of counterpoint in this piece, especially in the climactic middle section. I hope you enjoy!
Vidumus stellam - Motetum 5 voci – Communio, Epiphania Domini
- Composed: October 27 - November 11, 2016 at Austin; revised September 3 - 9, 2020.
- Premiere Performance: January 8, 2017, Epiphany of Our Lord (observed), by the Schola Cantorum of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Austin, Texas – Dr. Jeffrey Jones-Ragona, Director of Music.
- Style: Late German Romantic emulating Stile Antico, ca. 1875.
- Text: Communion, Proper Mass for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6)
- Language: Latin
- Duration: 03:30
- Electronic Rendering by Finale 26 music notation software’s "Human Playback" with NotePerformer 3 artificial intelligence assisted interpretation.