In June of 2011 my high school choir will be having a reunion concert. Donald B. Cowan directed the SH Rider High School A Cappella Choir for 32 years (1961-1993). It was known as "The Greatest Choir Ever". The new "Greatest Choir Ever" is the Donald B. Cowan Legacy Choir. This is a significant event for everyone who has enlisted to participate and rehearsals have already begun. No doubt I'll post about this several times in the next year.
Take a listen to the 1973 choir (my Junior year) singing Tchaikovsky's O Praise Ye God.
I asked Mr C if he would be willing for me to compose a piece of music for the occasion. He was thrilled at the offer and my first thought was to use the text from the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi - "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace."
The composition is complete and the audio file below is a demo version. There are only four singers doing all the parts. It's beautiful, but rough - it's a demo. I can't wait to hear it performed live for the first time by the Legacy Choir.
O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hate let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon, And when in doubt, give me faith, In despair, I'll find hope.
In the darkness, let me bring light, Where there's sadness, let me find joy, O Divine Master, I seek not to be consoled as to console, Seek not to be understood, as to understand, May I seek not to be loved, as to love - let me love.
For it is in giving we receive, It is in pardoning we are pardoned, And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
The cover, shown above, features a photo of their 1984 European Cathedral Tour. This photo was taken in Assisi, in the Basilica of St. Francis.
Congratulations! This is a really beautiful piece and captures both a sense of "old" church music and a modern feel. I especially like the way it flows continuously from one thought to another. Beautifully done.
Wha Hoo... if I may say that for a sacred piece. The choir is most inspiring and calming to listen to. Please keep sharing your many God-given gifts with us. I also shared this with my church's music leader's. Have a joyous summer!
What a beautiful compostion. I can't wait to hear the finished product if this is the rough cut. Thank you for sharing your talent for everything with us.
Exquisite music and one of my favorite prayers. I agree the colors of the different voices weave and blend as beautifully as one of your Kaleidoscope Quilts. Bravo!
You are such an amazing multi-talented guy! God has blessed you with such wonderful gifts! I thank you for using them to glorify God and to enhance the Quilting World! Sincerely, Chris Parks
Oh Ricky, this is a beautiful musical piece. The prayer of St. Francis was said at the end of every worship service at my church in El Paso. This brings that prayer even more to life for me. Thank you. Hope to see it performed in Ft. Worth.
Ricky Tims is rolling out his new "Gaelic Blessing" quilt which features a variation on the Double Irish Chain pattern with a beautiful Celtic Cross done with minimal applique. This pseudo-traditional, easy-to-make quilt measures 63" x 63." Both the pattern and hand-dyed fabric kit are now available!.
Please take the poll below and help us determine how many patters and kits we should prepare, this does not obligate you in any way.
Comments
Bravo!
God has blessed you with such wonderful gifts! I thank you for using them to glorify God and to enhance the Quilting World!
Sincerely, Chris Parks
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