"The Tyger" is dedicated to my daughter, Salima Rain, who asked me if I might try setting this remarkable William Blake poem to music, a daunting thought, to say the least. But I took on the challenge and here is the result. As always, comments are ...  more"The Tyger" is dedicated to my daughter, Salima Rain, who asked me if I might try setting this remarkable William Blake poem to music, a daunting thought, to say the least. But I took on the challenge and here is the result. As always, comments are most welcomed. Email me at rain@magma.ca, if you'd like more info. I would like to acknowledge the a cappella choir that I sing in, The Stairwell Carollers, and our director Pierre Massie, for their musical inspiration these past 26 years. And with deepest appreciation to my brother Adam Rain and my friend Geneviève Lajoie for their invaluable support throughout my composing journey.  less

The Song of Ruth, a setting of the most famous passage from the Book of Ruth (Ruth 1:16–17), opens with a gentle polyphonic section for the chorus. (“Do not ask me to leave you, or to stop following you; for where ever you go, I will go, and where you sta...  moreThe Song of Ruth, a setting of the most famous passage from the Book of Ruth (Ruth 1:16–17), opens with a gentle polyphonic section for the chorus. (“Do not ask me to leave you, or to stop following you; for where ever you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.”) The soprano joins the choir for the twice-repeated middle section of the piece. The music here is contrastingly homophonic and intense. (“Where you die, I will die and be buried.”) The tune and harmonies are borrowed from a passage in my piece Selections from “The Song of Songs” for male voice and band. That piece is dedicated to my wife, Ruth, hence the connection. If that were not enough, our daughter is named Naomi! The Song of Ruth closes with a recapitulation of the music from the opening, but with new words assigned to it, and with the soprano soloist providing a descant for it. (“May the Lord cause ill fate to befall me, and more, if anything but death separates me and you.”) Appropriat...    less

Setting by David W Solomons (www.dwsolo.com) of the words of the mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei) in various modes (mixolydian, dorian, lydian, aeolian and various jazzy modes). This version is for mixed choir and is performed by...  moreSetting by David W Solomons (www.dwsolo.com) of the words of the mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei) in various modes (mixolydian, dorian, lydian, aeolian and various jazzy modes). This version is for mixed choir and is performed by Matthew Curtis (www.choraltracks.com) a version for men's voices (ATTB) is also available at http://www.cadenzaone.com/product-p/dws286889.htm  

Psalm 23 is dedicated to my aunt Patricia Shaw of Vancouver, as this is her favourite Psalm. Two points of note: First, the composition grew out of the feeling that all 4 voices should start on the same note, grow outwards and then come back to that...  morePsalm 23 is dedicated to my aunt Patricia Shaw of Vancouver, as this is her favourite Psalm. Two points of note: First, the composition grew out of the feeling that all 4 voices should start on the same note, grow outwards and then come back to that same note at the end. The rest just seemed to evolve on its own, seemingly guided by some external force. Second, unusually, I have asked choirs (where possible) to sing this without any breaks, via staggered breathing, as I wanted to highlight the deep conviction underlying the words of the Psalm, as one single thread of deep belief that moves from beginning to end. Sincere thanks to Matthew Curtis (choraltracks.com) for recording "Psalm 23." As always, comments are welcomed. Email me at rain@magma.ca, if you'd like more info. I would like to acknowledge the a cappella choir that I sing in, The Stairwell Carollers, and our director Pierre Massie, for their musical inspiration these past 26 years. I would also like to thank my friends in our "Ad ...    less

(1. The Lute, 2. The Thunderbolt, 3. The Sun) Music by Stanley M. Hoffman (1999) Words by Judah al Harizi, 13th century English Translation by Stanley M. Hoffman Music and Translation: © Copyright 2000 by Ione Press, Inc., a division of ECS Publish...  more(1. The Lute, 2. The Thunderbolt, 3. The Sun) Music by Stanley M. Hoffman (1999) Words by Judah al Harizi, 13th century English Translation by Stanley M. Hoffman Music and Translation: © Copyright 2000 by Ione Press, Inc., a division of ECS Publishing. www.ecspublishing.com All rights reserved. Used by permission. ECS Publishing Catalog No. 6435  

"Stella" is dedicated to my friend Kristina, who introduced me to this remarkable French poem by Victor Hugo written while in exile on the Isle of Jersey. It is a complex layered poem exploring a multitude of interactions with the morning star - in na...  more"Stella" is dedicated to my friend Kristina, who introduced me to this remarkable French poem by Victor Hugo written while in exile on the Isle of Jersey. It is a complex layered poem exploring a multitude of interactions with the morning star - in naturalistic, religious, spiritual and seemingly political terms. Sincere thanks to Matthew Curtis (choraltracks.com) for recording "Stella." To purchase the sheet music for this song, please contact: info@leadingnote.com. I would like to acknowledge the a cappella choir that I sing in, The Stairwell Carollers, and our director Pierre Massie, for their musical inspiration these past 26 years. I would also like to thank my friends in our "Ad hoc Chorale" for testing out this piece in one of our informal workshops and offering valuable comments. And with deepest appreciation to my brother Adam Rain and my friend Geneviève Lajoie for their invaluable support throughout my composing journey.  less

Devon folk song arranged for mixed choir The words of the song can be found in many places on the Net, some more accurate than others. All of the places are in Devon, except Callington, which is in Cornwall, but it is likely to be the correct place sin...  moreDevon folk song arranged for mixed choir The words of the song can be found in many places on the Net, some more accurate than others. All of the places are in Devon, except Callington, which is in Cornwall, but it is likely to be the correct place since it is so close to the centre of the events - ie towns and villages North and West of Dartmoor. (The Yetties' version of the song refers to "North Looe", but this is very unlikely to be correct, since Looe is much further into Cornwall). In this the version I finally decided upon "North Lew" (a compromise between Quoditch's version and the Yetties' version):  less

An exciting rendition of the "Cantate Domino" Latin text by Ivo Antognini. This setting explores rhythm and texture as it weaves through various time signatures. Would make a fantastic concert opener! Andrew Crane Choral Series. Matthew Curtis (ChoralTr...  moreAn exciting rendition of the "Cantate Domino" Latin text by Ivo Antognini. This setting explores rhythm and texture as it weaves through various time signatures. Would make a fantastic concert opener! Andrew Crane Choral Series. Matthew Curtis (ChoralTracks) sings all the voices. Published by Walton Music - A division of GIA Publications, Inc.  

My musical re-imagining of the Nativity story, with a surprise in the 2nd verse. Dedicated to my dear cousin, Madeleine Shaw. NB: choirs interested in obtaining copies of the score can contact The Leading Note at info@leadingnote.com. I would lik...  moreMy musical re-imagining of the Nativity story, with a surprise in the 2nd verse. Dedicated to my dear cousin, Madeleine Shaw. NB: choirs interested in obtaining copies of the score can contact The Leading Note at info@leadingnote.com. I would like to acknowledge the a capella choir that I sing in, The Stairwell Carollers, and our director Pierre Massie, for their musical inspiration these past 25 years. I would also like to thank my friends in our "Ad hoc Chorale" for testing out this piece in one of our informal workshops and offering valuable comments. And with deepest appreciation to my brother Adam Rain and my friend Geneviève Lajoie for their invaluable support throughout my composing journey.  less

"Aurum, aurum!" is dedicated to Asira Shukuru. It is a musical search for the meaning of gold, a choral exploration of our human relationship to this precious metal. In Latin and English. As always, comments are most welcomed. Sincere thanks to Matt...  more"Aurum, aurum!" is dedicated to Asira Shukuru. It is a musical search for the meaning of gold, a choral exploration of our human relationship to this precious metal. In Latin and English. As always, comments are most welcomed. Sincere thanks to Matthew Curtis (choraltracks.com) for recording "Aurum, aurum!" Email me at rain@magma.ca, if you'd like more info, or to obtain a copy of the score. I would like to acknowledge the a cappella choir that I sing in, The Stairwell Carollers, and our director Pierre Massie, for their musical inspiration these past 26 years. I would also like to thank my friends in our "Ad hoc Chorale" for testing out this piece in one of our informal workshops and offering valuable comments. And with deepest appreciation to my brother Adam Rain and my friend Geneviève Lajoie for their invaluable support throughout my composing journey.  less