Description
St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) was a prominent Spanish mystic, Roman Catholic Saint, Carmelite nun, and author. The English translation of her poem “Where All Are Welcome” served as inspiration for me when composing amass: my oratorio for choir, soloists, and mixed chamber ensemble (premiered in February 2011). Its message is timeless, and truly embodies my personal beliefs. This poem, translated by Daniel Ladinsky and published in his book Love Poems From God, struck me so deeply that it replaced the traditional credo in my mass. More than anything, this poem states what I truly believe. Hymn to St. Teresa is a reimagining of the “Sanctus” and “Benedictus” from amass, two works originally composed for a cappella mixed choir. It seemed fitting to honor her, and the original inspiration for amass, in this new piece.
Performed by the University Band, University of Minnesota conducted by Betsy McCann.
Text
Where All Are Welcome
Why this great war between the countries – the countries –
inside of us?
What are all these insane borders we protect?
What are all these different names for the same church of love
we kneel in together? For it is true, together we live; and only
at that shrine where all are welcome will God sing
loud enough to be heard.
~St. Teresa of Avila
translated by Daniel Ladinsky, Love Poems From God, Penguin Books, 2002.
Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1 & 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2/English Horn
Bassoon 1 & 2
Clarinet in Bb 1, 2, & 3
Bass Clarinet
Soprano Saxophone
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet in Bb 1, 2, & 3
Horn in F 1, 2, 3, & 4
Trombone 1 & 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Double Bass (or Contrabassoon)
Percussion 1 (chimes, suspended cymbal, windchimes)
Percussion 2 (marimba, triangle)
Percussion 3 (vibraphone)
Percussion 4 (glockenspiel, crotales)