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Download an MP3 file of a performance of the first movement of this work (orchestra version) by Mesa State College, Monte Atkinson, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of the second movement of this work (orchestra version).
Download an MP3 file of a performance of the third movement of this work (orchestra version).
Download an MP3 file of a performance of the second movement of this work (orchestra version) by the Holland Chorale and Holland Symphony orchestra, Ryan Kelly, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of the first movement of this work (orchestra version, with piano substituting for brass) by Vocal Artistry, Joseph Caulkins, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of the first movement of this work (brass version) by the Congregational Church of Cheshire, Connecticut, Joseph D'Eugenio, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of the second movement of this work (brass version).
Download an MP3 file of a performance of the third movement of this work (brass version).
Download a PDF file of the choral score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the orchestra score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the brass score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
The Alpha and Omega songs were created to celebrate the Christmas spirit. They are based on traditional Christmas carols, with the intent of breathing new, fresh life into the beloved hymns. And, with colorful orchestral accompaniment, it is hoped that these new arrangements will be especially imaginative.
The underlying approach to this work has been to dramatize the lyrics. For example, in the first movement, "The Father's Love" (based on the hymn "Of the Father's Love Begotten"), the original plainchant melody is surrounded by a filigree of patterns marked "to suggest the spirit of life forming." As the melody is sung, one might hear chimes (church bells) in the background.
By the arrival of the second verse ("O ye heights of heaven adore him"), the tempo has picked up and the melody has changed into a celebratory expression. Many of the words in the hymn text are quite powerful and inspiring. And thus, the musical setting focuses on bringing these lyrics to full life. The climax of this song comes with the words "Let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring...for He is Alpha and Omega. Evermore!"
"Star of Night" is a new presentation of the familiar "We Three Kings of Orient Are." The original 3/4 meter is changed to 2/2, suggestive of camels walking (to Bethlehem). Within the dramatic nature of this work, three soloists step forth to portray the kings as they wander by, following the star. The music reaches its greatest intensity on the words "O Star of Wonder, Star of Night." And then the singing fades away, leaving just the one star (high F#) shining in the sky.
As "The Father's Love" speaks of the coming of Christ, and "Star of Night" leads to the place of his birth, so then the completion of the story comes with the third song, "The Child is Born." Here, a new melody has been composed. With dotted-note rhythms and intervallic leaps, the melodic contour is particularly energetic and jubilant. For this is a song of strength.
A middle section modulates from the home key of D Major to the mediant, F Major, to speak of Mary's love for her son. There is a "cantabile" passage with the words "lead us all with hearts aflame..." Then, the tempo quickens and the dynamics increase, leading to a return to D Major, for a strong statement of the central lyrics:
Alpha and Omega be, let the organ thunder!
We shall raise our voice to Thee, and tear the air asunder.
We shall raise our voice to Thee, forever!
Notes by the composer