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Celestial
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Throughout the ages, the human race has been enamored with the stars, moon and planets. This fascination has permeated all forms of art, especially poetry and music. A year ago, we began gathering selections based on the heavenly bodies and our concept of heaven itself.
The result of our search was a host of premiers and commissions as well as selections already in the male chorus repertoire. We had no idea that during our rehearsal /performance period, we would lose seven astronauts directly over our heads on a crystal clear morning nor that the U.S. would be at war.
These events certainly gave new meaning and depth of understanding to the music and the texts. The Turtle Creek Chorale attempts to perform repertoire that is both moving and timely. Seldom have circumstances fallen together in such a manner.
Our hope is that through this recording of our performances and specifically through our delivery of these text through music, you will find peace and solace in this unsettled world.
Tim
REPERTOIRE
Musical Selections
CELESTIAL
Turtle Creek Chorale
Dr. Timothy Seelig, Artistic Director
Antoine Spencer, Principal Accompanist
Robert Lamar Sims, Celeste and Assistant Accompanist
Steven Couch, Herman W. and Amelia H. Lay Family Concert Organ
± denotes premier
1. The Stars Are With The Voyager 3:47
Words by Thomas Hood
Music by Eleanor Daley
© 2002 Rhythmic Trident Music Publishing, RTCA-003
Dedication: For Ali Christine, the brightest star in my universe.
Love Uncle Reeder
2. I Cannot Count The Stars 5:01 ±
Words by Gwen Frostic
Music by Eugene Butler
© 2000, JEHMS, Inc.
Dedication: In memory of my Mom, Faye Washington, and to my soul mate and love of my life, John Lochner. With love and gratitude for sharing your lives with me. For the laughter and for the harmony that you both continue to play within my heart. Thank you for your calm and glory. All my love, Gene Dolphus.
3. Cloths of Heaven 4:11 ±
Words and Music by Z. Randall Stroope
© 2003 Z. Randall Stroope
Dedicated to my mother, my friend . . . Jeanne Marie Chandler
T. Michael Chandler
4. Make Me A Kite 3:27 ±
Words by Amanda McBroom
Music by Michelle Brourman
Arranged by Terry Dobson
© 1992 McBroom Music and Brourman Music
Soloist: Reed Hoke
Dedicated in Honor of Billy Dochartaigh by Fred Owen.
5. The Wind 3:30 ±
Words by Robert Louis Stevenson
Music by Susan Brumfield
© 2003 Susan Brumfield
Turtle Soup
Dedicated in honor of Lamar Sims for his unqualified dedication to the presentation of outstanding choral music. Thank you for your vision, leadership and friendship shared with Turtle Soup.
6. The Gates of Wonder 3:56 ±
Words and Music by Sean Matthew Deibler
© 2001, Sean Matthew Deibler
Dedicated in Memory of Sgt. John Michael "Mike" Teal. Born December 5, 1973. Died March 23, 2003 while on a humanitarian rescue mission in Afghanistan. Dona Nobis Pacem - Bring Us Peace.
7. The Us of Me 4:01
Words and Music by David L. Brunner
© 1997 Boosey & Hawkes, Inc.
TCC Chamber Chorus
Dedicated in Memory of Gene Shock - Fred Owen
8. He's Got The Whole World 2:44 ±
Words Traditional Spiritual
Music by Mark Hayes
© 1990, 2003 by Hinshaw Music, Inc.
Dedicated in Honor of Ellen Galvin Rawson
Jamie Rawson
9. Grateful 4:35 ±
Words and Music by John Bucchino
© 2003 Art Food Music
Arranged by permission of Williamson Music, New York, NY 10018
Arranged by Terry Dobson
Dedicated in loving memory and gratitude for Rene and Jeanette LaPierre from their children. Richard LaPierre, Janine Deroy and Paul LaPierre
10. How Sweet the Moonlight 3:20
Words by William Shakespeare The Merchant of Venice
Music by Eric Helmuth
© 2002 Eric Helmuth
Dedicated in Loving Memory of Michael W. Burton by Tab Boyles
STARGAZING ±
J. Granville Eakin III
© 2003 Lux Nova Press, LNP-0141
11. Creator of the Universe 6:20
Words by Plato
This work is dedicated to my father, James G. Eakin, Jr., mother, Pam Eakin and brother, Robert Eakin. I hope I've made your proud - J. Granville Eakin III
12. We Are the Stars! 2:58
Words Algonquin - Native American
This work is dedicated to my wife, Heather Eakin, my father-in-law, Lee Gammill, mother-in-law, Susan Gammill, sister-in-law, Bonnie Gammill and brother-in-law, Shaun Gammill. I hope I'll make you proud - J. Granville Eakin III.
Underwritten by T.J. Miller
"We are all one, at this very moment, here and now" - Thaddeus
13. Twinkle 4:50
Words by Ann and Jane Taylor
Dedication: Turtle Creek Chorale
Dedication: The men of the Turtle Creek Chorale wish all the blessings of the stars to light the path of James and Heather as they begin their journey through life together. Our deepest and most heartfelt love and best wishes.
14. In Remembrance 3:10 ±
Words by Anonymous
Music by Hal H. Hopson
© 2001 Hal H. Hopson
Dedicated in loving memory of my father, Billy Frank Davis, who left a great legacy in his passing: his wife, Dorothy Anne, and his children Sherry Lynn, Mark Susell and John Michael Davis. The spirit of my father fills each of us with pride and gratitude for having known him in our lives. Mike Davis.
15. For the Fallen 2:51
Words by Laurence Binyon
Music by Mike Smmes
© 1992 Banks Music Publications
Trumpet: Scott Talbert
Underwritten by Bruce Carter
16. The Majesty and Glory 5:01
Words based on Psalm 8 by Linda Lee Johnson
Music by Tom Fettke
© 1979 Norman Clayton Publishing
Soloist: Don Kennedy
Dedicated in Honor of Lynn Tull for showing us all a rare combination of faith in God's miraculous powers, grace under pressure, courage that knows no bounds, the strength of ten thousand armies and the tenacity that few will ever possess. We love you! - The Music Ministry of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, Dallas Texas.
PRODUCTION NOTES
Production
Recorded Live March 23 & 26, 2003
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Dr. Timothy Seelig, Executive Producer
Craig Gregory, Producer
Scott Rogers, Live Audio Engineer
Jim Jackson, Tracking & Mixing Engineer
Nolan Brett, Audio Mastering
Crystal Clear Sound, Dallas, Texas
Carlos Cardoza, Cover-Design
Kenneth E. McBryde, Layout
Special Thanks to the Meyerson Staff
All photos from NASA/Hubbel Space Telescope
