Modern Songs in the Spirit of the Renaissance
We do mainly perform Renaissance choral music, but we also will perform modern pieces inspired by the Renaissance. So, after we polled our choristers what their favourite Renaissance choral song was, we did another poll for the contemporary compositions in the spirit of the Renaissance we have performed in the past. Below is our top five favourites along with YouTube videos of wonderful performances you are sure to enjoy (there is a tie for 5th place!).
What do you think of this list? Are there others that are your favourites? We love to hear feedback from our followers - please go to our Social Media and share your favourites!
No. 1: Ubi Caritas by Ola Gjeilo
Ola Gjeilo is a contemporary choral composer, originally from Norway and currently living in United States. This piece is Gjeilo’s arrangement of the popular Christian Hymm “Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est” which translates as: “Where charity and love are, there God is.”
No. 2: O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen
O Magnum Mysterium by the American composer Morten Lauridsen was composed in 1994. The piece mimics classic Gregorian choral pieces in its style but with some modern influence as well. The latin lyrics are taken from a traditional chant from the Matins of Christmas.
No. 3: Ave Maria by Franz Biebl
Franz Biebl was a German composer of the 20th century. This is his best-known work which sets portions of the Angelus as well as the Ave Maria. The piece was composed c. 1959.
No. 4: Ave Verum Corpus by Imant Raminsh
Imant Raminsh is a Canadian composer of Latvian descent. "Ave verum corpus" is a short Eucharistic chant that has been set to music by many composers dating back to the 13th century.
No. 5: Psalm 150 by Marcia Jenneth Epstein
(tied with another piece listed below)
Marcia Jenneth Epstein is a long time CRSP choir member and a talented composer! This very original and exciting arrangement of Psalm 150 in 6 parts has been performed by our choir a number of times.
No. 5: Tota Pulchra Es by Ola Gjeilo
(tied with the piece above)
Another beautiful work by Ola Gjeilo. Tota pulchra es is a Catholic prayer written in the fourth century. It is one of the five antiphons for the psalms of Second Vespers for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The title means "You are completely beautiful" (referring to the Virgin Mary). It speaks of her immaculate conception. This prayer has been arranged numerous times by many composers.