Opus 745

In the Midst of Wild Being (2007)

for SATB Chorus, Horn, Harp

Text by Elizabeth Kirschner

King's Chapel Choir; Heinrich Christensen, conductor

Duration: 10 min.

Dedication: for the King’s Chapel Concert Series, Heinrich Christensen, director, and Choral Arts New England in memory of Daniel Pinkham (1923–2006)

Commission: Commissioned by King’s Chapel and Choral Arts New England

Publisher: Musik Fabrik

Performance materials available from the publisher.

In the Midst of Wild Being (2007) for SATB chorus, horn, and harp was commissioned by the King’s Chapel Concert Series, Heinrich Christensen, director, with the support of Choral Arts New England. The work was written in memory of American composer Daniel Pinkham (1923–2006), longtime director of music at King’s Chapel.

The texts, written by American poet Elizabeth Kirschner, are directly inspired by the landscape of New England—though the sentiments reflected by the poems can apply to many places. Throughout, the focus is on the chorus, whose music is colored by the horn and harp.

The Garden begins with an extended, unfolding introduction for horn and harp; the pace is that of a slow, steady walk. Though the pace remains, the music raises itself to rich climaxes in celebration of the verdant landscape. The Sea is a light and airy dance featuring a bouncy melodic theme that returns a number of times. The Forest is rich and expressive, reflecting true oneness with the landscape.