Opus 412

Faith, Praise, and Prayer for Advent and Christmas (2002)

for Piano

Hymn Preludes

Carson Cooman, piano

Duration: 19.5 min.

Commission: Commissioned by National Music Publishers

Publisher: Fred Bock Music Company

Performance materials available from the publisher.

Besançon is a lively prelude. A number of “building” gestures are used throughout, before the piece dies away at the end.

Stuttgart is a slow and expectant prelude. The opening melodic figure, which returns throughout, is characterized by “gentle tension” and expectation. The tune is presented over gently pulsing harmonies.

Picardy is dramatic and bold. A more reposed middle section is framed by fanfare-like material.

Personent Hodie in an ecstatic, “ringing” prelude. Various bell sounds and ringing musical gestures are employed.

Cradle Song begins with an original lyric melody, followed by a presentation of the tune. The two melodies are then combined together before the original melody returns alone to close the piece.

Tempest Adest Floridum is excited and vigorous. In the opening section, fast energetic material is contrasted with quieter, lyrical presentations of the tune. Finally the energetic material takes over the tune as well and the work drives towards the end.

Est Ist Ein Ros is a gentle and flowing prelude. A slow and “unfolding” introduction and coda frame a setting of the tune with varied harmonic colors.

Antioch is vibrant and bounding. The joyous and leaping nature of the tune is explored throughout.