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Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work by First Presbyterian Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Thomas Kasdorf, director.
Download a PDF file of the choral score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the full score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Commissioned by the First Presbyterian Church, Kalamazoo, MI, in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the Gothic Sanctuary: 1930-2005
Premiered by the Choirs of the First Presbyterian Church, Thomas Kasdorf, Music Director. April 24, 2005 - Kalamazoo, MI
Love Flows from God is a celebratory cantata based on the spiritual writings of Mechtild of Magdeburg (1210-1280). In the words of the author, "I saw all things in God, and God in all things."
The cantata comprises seven sections, each a musical celebration: energy ("All Things in God"); the light of the sun ("God in All Places"); the song of the birds ("God in All Creatures"); the dance ("To Leap for Love"); the rose ("O Lovely Rose"); the spark of life ("Love, Like a Living Spark"); and God's love ("Eternal Love").
As the texts explore diverse imagery, the music moves through a range of tonalities and rhythmic patterns associated with the lyrics. The birds, the dance and the many other manifestations of divine love flow through the musical language. Finally, the traditional hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy..." appears at the conclusion, perhaps as a summation of the sentiments of praise expressed in Mechtild's writings.
Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty.
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name in earth and sky above.
Guardian of Light. Eternal Love!
Notes by the composer