Clemson University Singers present their first concert of the season Oct. 23

Published: October 17, 2012

The Clemson University singers will perform Oct. 23. image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — The Clemson University Singers, an elite mixed-voice student ensemble, will perform their first concert of the 2012-2013 season at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

The group’s program includes “All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord” by Rene Clausen, which incorporates a variety of musical styles. The song features an aleatoric or “chance” section, where individual sopranos choose to sing the three separate sections of the opening melody whenever and however they choose.

Next come works by both Brahms and Bach. The first, Brahms’ “Zwei Motetten, op. 74, no. 1” from "Warum ist das Licht gegeben" has a multi-movement format and presents the composer’s philosophical confrontation with death. The second, Bach’s “Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden” is a highly sectionalized motet and displays the composer’s genius for vocal writing.

“Sanctus: London” by Ola Gjeilo features “columns” of key areas of sound building upon one another until the end of the work, where the first and only pure major sonority is sung.  Two multicultural pieces, “Segalariak” by Josu Elberdin and a Visayan folk song arranged by George G. Hernandez titled “Rosas Pandan,” follow and highlight the versatility of the choir.

“Wanting Memories” from "Crossings" by Ysaye M. Barnwell, makes the audience privy to a conversation between the speaker and a deceased parent who is accused of not being present to teach the important things in life. To end the program, two spirituals, “Abide With Me” by William H. Monk and arranged by Moses Hogan and “Let Me Fly” arranged by Robert Decormier, display the powerful harmonies and evocative language of the traditional African-American spiritual.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available for purchase online at www.clemson.edu/Brooks and through the box office at 864-656-7787 from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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