FRANK STEMPER, COMPOSER
Praise (1995)
a setting of Psalms 95 (1 & 2) and 150 for 5-part chorus
with trumpet, horn, trombone, pipe organ, piano and percussion [8 mins.]
Commissioned by the First United Methodist Church of Carbondale, Illinois
Opus 36 — A.S.C.A.P. work I.D. 460942196
SCORE
Opus 36 — A.S.C.A.P. work I.D. 460942196
SCORE
NOTES
Was commissioned by the Sanctuary Choir of the First Methodist Church in Carbondale, Illinois. It was to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their Music Director, Robert Weiss. Bob was also the Asst. Director of the School of Music at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and the very next year he later became the Director of the School – and an excellent administrator. Bob’s relatively sober, no nonsense, and absolutely fair administrative style of overseeing a higher education program in music was pristine. Every administrator in every field could/should take a lesson from Bob’s example. In addition to smoothly organizing all school activities, promoting both the teaching and research activities of the c.35 faculty, and keeping the peace, Bob oversaw the complete renovation of the School of Music facilities, including the rebuilding of Altgeld Hall, one of the first buildings on the large SIUC campus.
Choosing the Psalms 95 (1 & 2) and 150 was a simple process, knowing the religious adherence and moral compass of Robert L. Weiss, Jr. And, in addition to Bob’s loyal choir, musicians from the SIUC School of Music gladly participated in the performance. They included Robert Allison, - trumpet, Dan Phillips - horn, and John Hentschel - trombone (one of Bob's students), as well as organist, Gail White, who Carbondale architect and Anita Hutton, pianist, and Michael Hanes and Matt Henry, percussionists. Hanes is a gifted conductor and was Head of Bands at SIUC. He also gave me a few tips on conducting, because I conducted the rehearsals and performance. Although PRAISE doesn’t really test the percussion section, Hanes also was the principal percussionist for the premiere of my considerably more difficult cantata, ON FERRAI QUELQUE CHOSES DE TOI SI LE PETIT COUCHON NE TE MANGE PAS (1997). I remember his playing in that piece was superb, leading the performance with his keen sense of rhythm.
Although Weiss has retired from his service to SIUC, he continues to lead the music at his church and is currently in his 41st year, as per my count. I could tell way back in 1996 that his choir and the musicians held Bob in high esteem. I can only imagine how they feel about him now. "A joyful noise," indeed!
Was commissioned by the Sanctuary Choir of the First Methodist Church in Carbondale, Illinois. It was to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their Music Director, Robert Weiss. Bob was also the Asst. Director of the School of Music at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and the very next year he later became the Director of the School – and an excellent administrator. Bob’s relatively sober, no nonsense, and absolutely fair administrative style of overseeing a higher education program in music was pristine. Every administrator in every field could/should take a lesson from Bob’s example. In addition to smoothly organizing all school activities, promoting both the teaching and research activities of the c.35 faculty, and keeping the peace, Bob oversaw the complete renovation of the School of Music facilities, including the rebuilding of Altgeld Hall, one of the first buildings on the large SIUC campus.
Choosing the Psalms 95 (1 & 2) and 150 was a simple process, knowing the religious adherence and moral compass of Robert L. Weiss, Jr. And, in addition to Bob’s loyal choir, musicians from the SIUC School of Music gladly participated in the performance. They included Robert Allison, - trumpet, Dan Phillips - horn, and John Hentschel - trombone (one of Bob's students), as well as organist, Gail White, who Carbondale architect and Anita Hutton, pianist, and Michael Hanes and Matt Henry, percussionists. Hanes is a gifted conductor and was Head of Bands at SIUC. He also gave me a few tips on conducting, because I conducted the rehearsals and performance. Although PRAISE doesn’t really test the percussion section, Hanes also was the principal percussionist for the premiere of my considerably more difficult cantata, ON FERRAI QUELQUE CHOSES DE TOI SI LE PETIT COUCHON NE TE MANGE PAS (1997). I remember his playing in that piece was superb, leading the performance with his keen sense of rhythm.
Although Weiss has retired from his service to SIUC, he continues to lead the music at his church and is currently in his 41st year, as per my count. I could tell way back in 1996 that his choir and the musicians held Bob in high esteem. I can only imagine how they feel about him now. "A joyful noise," indeed!
PSALM 95
1. Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
Psalms 150
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty fermament.
Praise him for his mightly acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with
praise him with tambourine and dance, praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with clanging cymbals, praise him with loud clashing cymbals.
Let everything that breathes praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
1. Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
Psalms 150
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty fermament.
Praise him for his mightly acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with
praise him with tambourine and dance, praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with clanging cymbals, praise him with loud clashing cymbals.
Let everything that breathes praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.