Vespers

Abstract

Vespers is unmistakably inspired by liturgy. The title alone simply denotes an evening service of prayer; in this case, the text and structure are drawn from an Eastern-rite vespers service. On the other hand, I wished to write a work that would stand on its own, performed outside of a liturgical context. These two factors--a love for liturgical music and a desire to write a concert work--influenced my choice of Vespers as the service to set. Rather than composing a setting of the Mass or Divine Liturgy, each a central eucharistic celebration, I chose to set a service of a quieter and more contemplative nature. Of a different character from the celebratory eucharistic services, Vespers emphasizes petitions for mercy as well as a sense of quiet assurance. I think of Vespers, then, as primarily a concert work (rather than a liturgical work) reflecting these qualities--albeit one that retains most of the form of its liturgical source, and which as a result could feasibly be adapted to use in worship. Vespers is written for mixed choir with soloists and lasts approximately 54 minutes. The work's premiere performance was at Haverford College on April 7, 2014.