God's Grandeur

In the composer's words: “God's Grandeur makes a companion piece to Pied Beauty, the first Gerard Manley Hopkins poem on ecstatic themes that I've set for choir. God's Grandeur read(s) like a scene– from awe to despair to an ecstasy of gratitude in one taut sonnet. That's why this piece seemed to need its own substantial, quasi-orchestral piano part, and why (the) vocalism ranges from fiery fanfare to desolaterecitative to conclude, at last, in bright chorale.” Text by Gerard Manley Hopkins. Premiered by the Gregg Smith Singers in January 2010. 4 minutes.