Atlantis Disappeared

So I found this great quote!! Funny story how though....

So I was watching 102 Dalmations with my brother, and there was a preview for that Atlantis movie and before the preview started they displayed this quote

"...in a single day and night of misfortune the island of Atlantis disappeared into the depths of the sea..."

I HAD to set it. So here it is. I really need a live performance of this because I tried some things that wont play back on Sibelius, but please try to enjoy!!

Comments always welcome! :)

Audio - Atlantis Disappeared - Putfile.com

EDIT - NEW REVISED SCORE!!!!

Atlantis Disappeared.pdf

You must get this performed. It's very exciting. I love the chanting; very Tarik O'Regan in fact (one of my favourite composers). I think in a crisp live performance some of the harmonies will appear more focused, somehow. This is a really imaginitive and exciting setting of the text. I want to hear it big time.

Okay, so I only really had time to skim the PDF, but it looks really interesting, and I can't wait to hear it. You certainly have a flair for the dramatic in your music!

Thanks to both of your comments, I wasnt sure how this would turn out, but I'm glad you are enjoying it. I REALLY want a live performance!! It might happen, it might not.

Hi,

First, I would like to thank you for the wonderful comments you have made on my "Missa Solemnis. Now it is my turn to share some of my thoughts on your wonderful composition.

The the piece was very nice and the harmony is dramatic. The chanting is very lovely. The ethnic music of my country is full of chants comprises of augmented intervals, whole tones and complex irregular rhythm. Somehow, I feel at home it your chorale piece.

However, you have put some close vowels such as "ee" on pitches that are above the staff. This is singable, but not practical because of diction consideration. Moreover, such vowels are very hard to sing on that part of the voice.

Over all, it is a very nice piece and your ideas are truly great.

Thanks for your comments. Im glad you liked.

I am a vocal major and actually "ee" is actually a very nice vowel to reach those high notes because if you place it right, you get this natural space.

Thank you for your comments.

It's true - I prefer singing in a mid-high range on an E vowel because of the nice resonance that is almost built into the placement of it.

THANK YOU! I knew I wasnt crazy.

"ee" indeed is a very nice vowel because of the forward resonance it creates. Moreover, it assist the squillio.However, since it is a close vowel,it needs proper vowel modification or proper covering to keep the throat open on that area of the passagio. I am not against the "ee" vowel per se, my opinion is that, it is not an easy vowel to sing without modification.

Beside, one cannot sing a pure vowel on that part of the passagio without the closing of the throat. This is just my opinion as a vocal pedagogy major.

I totally agree with you're saying, the passagio is a big deal and what not. But when you get it perfect is a beautiful vowel, its actually my favorite vowel to sing.

Scott

It seems lately that my favorite vowel to sing is ou... followed by ch!

I guess getting old does that to you.

I do like the dissonances in this but the first few times thru it the other day, I found the bare spots to be disconcerting. Today I looked at the PDF while listening and it does make more sense. I still am not convinced that all of the held rests are needed, but that is more a matter of taste.

I do hope you are able to get this performed and then are able to post a live version.

Keep at it

Ron

Thanks ron! Some of the rests are a little ehh....well see.

Scott

It seems lately that my favorite vowel to sing is ou... followed by ch!

I guess getting old does that to you.

I do like the dissonances in this but the first few times thru it the other day, I found the bare spots to be disconcerting. Today I looked at the PDF while listening and it does make more sense. I still am not convinced that all of the held rests are needed, but that is more a matter of taste.

I do hope you are able to get this performed and then are able to post a live version.

Keep at it

Ron

Oh God... if you are worried about 'rests' then never listen to "When David Heard" by Whitacre. Half the song is rests... hahaha.

And to the song, I loved it!!! Very Whitacre/O'Regan. You have a talent for the dramatic song. And, in my opinion, the rests are JUST as important as the notes.

I know a little late!!! haha

But thank you for your comments Morivou!!!!

This piece looks pretty interesting and I might be interested in doing a recording of it for you. Let me know.

Sean C Stork

Nightingale Incorporated

are seriously interested. I have a revised score for you if you are really serious about it!!!

Scott

Welcome back. Where have you been?

This is another nice piece that needs to be performed.

I do however have one suggestion...

In measures 20-21 you go from mf to f. I think that this would work better going from mp to ff. It would make that really stick out.

JMHO

Welcome back

Ron

Hey Ron!!

I dont know where I've been. haha

I love that suggestion!!! Its going into the score and then I think its done!! :)

REVISED SCORE NOW POSTED

:)

I really love the ideas incorporated with this piece. The overall tone fits with the text perfectly and I love how each phrase pulls to the next. Very well done!

I only have a couple of things I'd like to point out, just personal preferences really.

I love the chords and all of the dissonance, but at times, --particularly in m37, I'm concerned that it might be too difficult for the remaining voices parts to enter on an 8-part clash. Granted, that comes with the performance difficulty you are aiming for, but I feel that an adjustment in that measure alone may bring the entire difficulty of the piece down to a more intermediate/ High School level.

The other issue comes from words. I love this text, but the repetition of the word "Atlantis" from m15-30 may lose some of the energy of the phrase. Musically, it seems fine, I would suggest making the chanting/whispering to include more of the text than just "Atlantis"

The piece reminds me a lot of Cloudburst by Eric Whitacre, especially with the layers that are created during whispers.

Very moving work, I would love to sing this!