Rejoice
INFORMATION
Instrumentation: Chorus and Orchestra
Duration: 05’ 10”
Year of Composition: 2018
The work received its premiere performances on December 7 and 8, 2018 at Clowes Memorial Hall, Indianapolis, IN by the Butler University Symphony Orchestra, Butler Chorale, and Butler University Choir, John Perkins, Conductor.
VERSIONS
Chorus and Orchestra (2018)
Chorus and Band (2018)
Chorus and Organ (2018)
Chorus and Piano (2018)
RECORDING
Butler University Symphony Orchestra, Butler Chorale, and Butler University Choir, John Perkins, Conductor.
December 8, 2018
PROGRAM NOTES
Rejoice was written in two parts, the main tune in 2015 and the lyrics in 2018. I wrote the central theme over a couple of days on my kitchen table while I stayed with a friend over Thanksgiving Break. I entered the first setting of the tune into a competition, and after I lost the competition, I decided to reset the tune to another setting and have plans to publish it later. Unfortunately, since I did not secure copyright permission for the lyrics, I had to strip away every word from the tune. Thus, the tune sat on my desk for almost three years. I approached the theme again when I was asked to reset the theme for this medium. I later rewrote a bit of the original melody. I also wrote a new set of lyrics to the tune. Based on the extent of my work and the fact that this is not an arrangement but rather a unique setting of the original theme I reworked this summer, I have given 2018 as the composition year. When printed on programs, I ask that the year 2018 and not 2015/2018 be written.
While some might wonder about my choice for the text, I must say, the text came to me as the tune did. On both occasions, I sat lonely, thinking about people. They came to me upon deep reflection, in particular, my belief that God loves everyone. I have seen discrimination; I have seen hate; I have seen people feel hopeless, in need, and wanting a second chance. Princes, servants, slaves, middle-class people, or as I refer to people, our fellow angels, God loves everyone. When I see people, I see them more than just people. I see people as angels. I believe that no matter who people are or what their conscience tells them otherwise, they still have some good in them. The atmosphere in my song's setting is charming, heartwarming, emotional, big, and bold. When listening to Rejoice, I ask that people reflect on my words. I certainly believe there is much joy in singing, and I ask everyone who is singing to sing with emotion, no matter who you are, where you come from, and whom you want to be. I hope my song provides comfort to people, and I hope the message behind it resonates with people, far and wide.