Commissioned by Dr. Geoffrey Boers and the University of Washington Chamber Singers to be short responses to movements of an eclectic Mass, these four Responsorials can be performed together or separately. The texts are extracted and adapted from William Wordworth’s Illustrious metaphysical poem, On the Power of Sound, which delves deeply into the mysteries of the natural (and supernatural) world and its complex relationship with the physics of voice and sound. An expansive feeling of both joy and mystery pervades these short vignettes. Duration: 6:00
1. As deep to deep shouting through one valley calls (1:30)
2. The heavens whose aspect makes our minds as still as they themselves appear to be (1:30)
3. A Voice to Light gave Being (1:30)
4. Break forth into thanksgiving, ye banded instruments (1:30)
