I N P A R A D I S U M
Status: Available for purchase
Voicing: SATB
Instrumentation: Chamber Orchestra
flute, oboe, clarinet in A, bassoon,
horn, bass trombone (opt.), harp, strings
COMPOSER’S NOTES
In Paradisum is Randall's newest extended work, consisting of six-movements for SATB chorus and small chamber ensemble. Using a variety of texts - English (Walt Whitman, Christina Rossetti, William Wordsworth), short Latin Mass excerpts, and a brief Italian text by Dante, the work explores descriptions of the "afterlife" that have long been a sources of contemplation and inspiration for artists, theologians, philosophers, and humanity as a whole. The idea of an "unknown region" (as Whitman described it) or a place where an individual's identity or stream of consciousness continues to exist into an immortal realm has intrigued humans since cave drawings over 65,000 years ago. The libretto centers on the common denominator of contentment, innocence, and eternal peace, and doesn't follow a prescribed liturgy or philosophy. Rather, the intent is for listeners to "journey through" their own vision/belief about "paradise" and find deeper significance for daily living, faith, and hope.
LISTEN TO IN PARADISUM
Voce Chamber Ensemble
David Mann, Conductor
REVIEW THE CONDUCTOR SCORE
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VOCAL SCORE
PROGRAM NOTES
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1. INTROITUS IN PARADISUM | The work opens with a mystical wandering of thought and imagination, and moves into "melodies and hymns of light" - all bathed in eternal peace and innocence.
2. ODE ON INTIMATIONS OF IMMORTALITY | William Wordsworth "Recollections of Childhood" / "I see the Children play on the shore, And hear the mighty waters rolling... The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star; In trailing clouds of glory do we come."
3. IN PARADISUM | This unaccompanied motet in the middle of the work is a description of a "holy city of angels and martyrs"where love and mercy gently call one's name.
4. PARADISE: IN A DREAM | Christina Rossetti and Walt Whitman / "Once in a dream" there were stars and beautiful flowers more fair than anything in this world of ours. Paradise must surely be a place of "purest sky beyond all Time and Space." This movement weaves the poetry of two amazing poets - Christina Rossetti and Walt Whitman - into a fabric of absolute elation and quiet purity.
5. LUCE ETERNA | Three circles appear in brilliant light and breathe fire of eternal glory, as described in Dante's epic Paradiso, written seven centuries ago. This text implores the "Divine Light" to grant wisdom and understanding, so that one can share with the people through one's life the power and glory of the "Divine Light."
6. A VISION OF PEACE | “In Paradisum” concludes with careening melodies in "colors of peace" - some contemplative, some all-embracing, and others heraldic. It ends in a serene confidence that Paradise will come to those who seek an inner calm and connection to their "Divine Light" and whose actions enable others to grow, hope, and build a better life for themselves, their children, and generations yet unborn. This universal, inclusive concept of peace is one of unity and shared humanity.
