Synopsis

In 2010, the American Composers Forum launched ChoralQuest, a specially-commissioned series of works written especially for middle and junior high school choirs. The idea was to expand the available repertoire for young choirs, introduce them to contemporary composers, and give composers the chance and challenge of writing for young voices.

One of these new works received its premiere on today’s date in 2011 with the Oak Grove Middle School Singers in Bloomington, Minnesota. Bryan Blessing conducted his young singers in lines from “Tintern Abbey” by 19th-century British poet William Wordsworth set to music by 21st-century composer Stephen Paulus, who titled his piece Through All Things. “I chose a poem that conveys some deep thoughts,” Paulus said. “People often underestimate the sophistication of young people … The Wordsworth poem speaks about ‘a motion and a spirit that rolls through all things.’”

“But a composer really needs to know the range of young singers and what they can do,” admitted Paulus, who spent time with the Oak Grove Singers and confessed it’s not just the kids who benefitted. “You’re never too old or too experienced not to learn something from writing a new piece, whether it’s for kids or professional musicians.”

Music Played in Today's Program

Stephen Paulus (1949-2014): Through All Things; Minnesota Boychoir; Todd Price, piano; Mark S. Johnson, conductor; ACF score and recording (ISBN 0983388709)