PraiseMaker

for mixed chorus and orchestra

text by Susan Kouguell

mixed chorus and orchestra

The choral writing in Alvin Singleton’s work is quiet, measured, and contemplative, seldom rising above mezzoforte until the conclusion. The final words sung by the chorus swell to full volume succeeded by crescendoing brass. Suddenly, all is quiet again revealing a soft, distant-sounding chord in the strings, bassoons and horns, fading away like a distant memory.

Edition: Performance material

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Description

Alvin Singleton and author Susan Kougell composed PraiseMaker for the Cincinnati May Festival as a “universal, secular and celebratory” work that honors the past. The concept and title were inspired by the “praise singers” of Africa, who serve as the oral historians and the celebrants of traditions in their societies. Singleton writes: “It was a small leap for me to go to PraiseMaker, because it talks about the tradition, in an abstract way, of the Festival and, in a general way, speaks of everyone’s tradition.”

Orchestral Cast

2.2.ca.2.bcl.2.cbsn-4.2.3.1-2perc(crot, tub bells, vib)-hp-str

More Information

Title:

PraiseMaker

for mixed chorus and orchestra

text by Susan Kouguell

Language:

English

Edition:

Performance material

Publisher/Label:

Schott Music

Year of composition:

1998

Duration:

22 ′

World Premiere:

May 22, 1998 · Cincinnati, OH (USA)
Music Hall
Conductor: James Conlon · Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra · May Festival Chorus · Choir director: Robert Porco

Commissioned work :

Commissioned by the Cincinnati May Festival in celebration of its 125th Anniversary