CHORAL EVENSONG

Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb stands as one of the great choral masterpieces of the 20th century. Composed in 1943, Britten selected excerpts from the 18th century poet Christopher Smart's Jubilate Agno. Smart's text, penned during his time in an asylum, captures the mystic and fervent religious devotion of the poet, as well as his profound connection to nature. Each movement explores a different facet of Smart's poetry, ranging from exuberant praise in the first movement to tender depictions of domestic animals and plants, and even letters, all expressing their praise of God "in their own way."

Upon returning to the United States after earning my Master’s degree in the UK, I began crafting my St. Catharine’s Service. This project was sparked by a sense of nostalgia for the talented musicians I had the privilege to collaborate with that year, as well as the diverse repertoire of music I had the opportunity to engage with and perform. I started by integrating elements from the music that I primarily perform, incorporating elements of the romantic Anglican anthem, French late-Romantic harmony, techniques of imitation and counterpoint, and the harmonic richness and grandeur characteristic of Leo Sowerby's music. The inspiration for the organ accompaniment was derived from various sources, including Edward Bairstow's anthem Blessed City, Heavenly Salem and Alexander L’Estrange's New College Service (which we performed during Evensong on April 21st). Upon my first encounter with the New College Service, I was immediately struck by its incorporation of jazz harmonies, prompting me to conceive of a piece that would blend these elements with a distinct 20th and 21st century American twist. - Owen Reid