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Read Vermont Performance of "New Millennium Suite" by Jim Lowe, The Times Argus.
Read a review of New Millennium Suite (1999-2000) for SATB chorus and orchestra by Jim Lowe, The Times-Argus.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the first movement of this work performed by the Sonoma Valley Chorale, James Griewe, conductor.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the second movement of this work.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the third movement of this work.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the second movement ("Peace I Ask of Thee, O River") of this work performed by the Philovox Ensemble of Boston, Jennifer Lester, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of the second movement ("Peace I Ask of Thee, O River") of this work performed by the Philovox Ensemble of Boston, Jennifer Lester, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of the first movement of this work performed by the Randolph Singers and the Vermont Philharmonic, Louis Kosma, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of the second movement of this work.
Download an MP3 file of the third movement of this work.
Download an MP3 file of the second movement ("Peace I Ask of Thee, O River" / TTBB and piano version) of this work performed by Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Reuben Reynolds, conductor.
Download an MP3 file or view a video presentation of the first movement of this work performed by the Assembled Chorus of the "Celebration of the Music Makers" Festival and the Heritage Brass Quintet, Piero Buonomico, conductor.
Download an MP3 file or view a video presentation of the second movement of this work.
Download an MP3 file or view a video presentation of the third movement of this work.
View/download a perusal PDF file of the first movement of this work.
View/download a perusal PDF file of the second movement of this work.
View/download a perusal PDF file of the third movement of this work.
Download a PDF file of the brass score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
(Photograph of Gwyneth Walker in front of Carnegie Hall, prior to performances of her works over Memorial Day Weekend 2010.)
Commissioned by First United Methodist Church of Bradenton, Florida.
New Millennium Suite is a set of three songs for chorus and orchestra. The Suite was commissioned by the community of Bradenton, FL to celebrate the arrival of the year 2000. The performers for the premiere were the Sarasota Pops Orchestra and the combined school and church choirs of the Bradenton area of Manatee County, FL under the direction of Patricia Stenberg. The New Millennium Suite is now available for use by community choruses and orchestras on any occasion.
These are traditional American songs. They have been updated with additional lyrics. Audience participation is featured. The intent is to provide music which is both familiar and new, reverent and fun.
The set opens with an orchestral introduction leading into the first song, "Sinner Man" ("O, sinner man, where you gonna run to?"). A special "run!" motif is introduced by the chorus, spoken softly, then growing increasingly loud and insistent. The audience joins in, exhorting the sinner to flee for his life! This is energetic music.
The second song is "Peace, I Ask of Thee, O River." The string accompaniment is flowing. An interlude presents the river (string arpeggio patterns) as an accompaniment to the chorus singing "Peace like the falling rain, like the floating cloud, like the flowing stream, like the gentle breeze..." The chorus sustains pitches, while the strings ripple beneath. This is a gentle song.
"Down by the Riverside" closes the set. The song is presented in a swing rhythm. Brass and Percussion are featured. Near the end, the meter becomes free as the chorus sings "Gonna lay down my burden, gonna lay it down, gonna lay it down..." The orchestra and the audience, perhaps growing impatient to participate (!), quizzes the chorus "Where? Where?" The answer, of course, is "Down by the Riverside!"
Notes by the composer