The scores of all my choral works are available at JWPepper.com, in print or as downloadable pdf files.
The perusal scores available on this page are intended as reference for the convenience of choral directors.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree (2023)
SSATBB, a cappella. 3+’
Level: Intermediate/advanced
A new setting of William Butler Yeats’ great poem. It arose from a memory he had of his childhood while walking along Fleet Street in London in 1888: “I had still the ambition, formed in Sligo in my teens, of living in imitation of Thoreau on Innisfree, a little island in Lough Gill” The poem is a powerful expression of Yeats’ desire for a life of peace, simplicity and being close to nature. This work (SSATBB) is intended for advanced choral ensembles.
In the Flowing Light of the Godhead (2021)
SSAA, a cappella. 4.5′
Level: Intermediate/advanced
A setting of powerful passages from Das Fliessende Licht der Gottheit (The Flowing Light of the Godhead), written by Mechthild of Magdeburg, one of the great medieval mystics. The text is a very personal expression of the soul’s love for God and God’s love for the soul. Mechthild’s language is strong, ecstatic and full of vivid imagery.
Come Closer (2020)
SSAA, a cappella. 3+”
Level: Intermediate/advanced
An intimate yet powerful setting of a text by Chameli Gad, a spiritual teacher and founder of Awakening Women, a global sisterhood and women’s wisdom school. “I am here… the peace… the cosmic power… deepest nature… luminous wisdom… I am calling… come closer.”
Nada Te Turbe (2020) SSAA, a cappella. 3+’
Level: Intermediate/advanced
A dramatic setting of St. Teresa of Avila’s brief but powerful meditation. The text in English: Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you; All things pass. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone is enough.
Lux Aeterna (2020)
SSATB, a cappella. 3′
Level: Intermediate
A moving and accessible setting of the sublime text from the Requiem mass. Set for SSATB a cappella choir (with a bit of divisi in S1 and T) it is appropriate for
performance in concert or for sacred occasions. It was composed in honor of a dear friend who passed away in the Spring of 2020.
O Gladsome Light (2019)
Chorus SATB divisi 4′
Level: Intermediate
A fresh new setting in English of this traditional Vespers hymn. A unison chant (optional) of the text precedes a brilliant chorale with rich harmonies, requiring frequent divisi. The composer’s updated translation will appeal to the adventuresome choir.
Ktaadn (2019)
SATB divisi, piano 8′
Level: Intermediate
A choral setting of selected passages from Henry David Thoreau’s travelogue of the same title; it describes the author’s trip in 1846 to Katahdin, the highest mountain in the state of Maine.
From a jaunty beginning (sung by tenors and basses), the work describes Thoreau’s impressions as he treks through the woods and waters leading to the mountain. It reaches an intense climax as Thoreau descends Katadhin and is overtaken by an almost mystical experience called forth by the immense nature surrounding him.
This eight-minute work is very approachable for experienced community and school choirs, with some passages of divisi and a very satisfying part for the accompanist. Ktaadn was composed in celebration of the bicentennial of Maine’s statehood in 2020.
A Timbered Choir (2017)
SATB with some divisi, piano
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Texts: from A Timbered Choir (The Sabbath Poems 1979 – 1997) and New Collected
Poems by Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry, novelist, poet, environmental activist, cultural critic and farmer, is one of the important voices of our time. His literary work is deeply rooted in his love of nature and those who live close to it. Berry’s work, A Timbered Choir, is a collection of poems inspired by, and mostly written during, his solitary ventures in the woods and fields surrounding his home in Kentucky. As he describes them: “The poems are about moments when heart and mind are open and aware.” They speak eloquently of the beauty, the joy and the wisdom of nature.
Each movement in this set is unique, ranging from a cappella with frequently divided parts to unison singing, to an introspective walk through the forest featuring the piano punctuated by short choral passages.
Movements
The Peace of Wild Things SATB, piano
I Go Among Trees SATB a cappella
The Wild Geese SATB a cappella
Swallows In Air SSAA, piano
Slowly, Slowly They Return SATB a cappella
The Frog With Lichened Back Soprano solo or unison, piano
The Winter Wren is Back SATB, piano
On a Forest Path SATB, piano
Audio
Perusal Score
Purchase – In addition to the complete score one may purchase each movement individually by searching the title along with my name.
Children of the Light (2014)
SATB, soprano & baritone solo, piano 4 hands. 30+’
Level: Intermediate; limited divisi in all parts
Texts: From Genesis 1, Isaiah 60, Psalm 36, St. Catherine of Siena, John Newell
A moving and inspirational concert work in nine movements. The choral parts are quite approachable, and experienced soprano and baritone soloists are required. Practice files for all parts are available through ChoralTracks.
Movements:
I. And God Said Chorus
II. Light, Eternal Light Chorus
III. In Your Light Baritone solo & Chorus
IV. My Nature is Fire Soprano solo
V. Hear, O People! Baritone solo & Chorus
VI. Kyrie Eleison Chorus
VII. Light of Heaven Soprano solo & Chorus
VIII. Arise, Shine! Chorus
IX. Light, Eternal Light/ Chorus
Thanks Be to God
Audio
Perusal Score
Purchase Both full score and vocal score are available at this link
Pleasure It Is (2014)
SAB a cappella. 1.5’
Level: Intermediate
A sprightly new setting of William Cornysh’s 16th century poem celebrating spring – truly a spring carol. Accessible for amateur choi rs, but rich in harmonies and voice movements that more advanced choirs will quickly appreciate.
God is Love (2012)
SATB a cappella. 3’
Level: Easy to medium; some divisi in soprano; my choir found it easy to learn.
With a text adapted from various Psalms, this anthem creates an atmosphere of reflection and consolation. It is perhaps most suitable for a worship service. The tenors get to shine in an approachable range and there is some easy divisi for sopranos.
Devotional Chants and Mantras (2011)
Solo voice or unison group singing, optional accompaniment. 53 selections
Level: Easy to learn and sing; can be simply spoken
This collection of chants and mantras is intended for use in one’s personal
meditation and prayer. These fifty three short works are melodies that “came to”
me at various times over a period of years, from about 1992 to 2011. They have been aids in my own meditation and prayer, and my intention is that they serve that purpose for you.
Many of the chants may also be useful in group worship. Available also on CD. Many of the lyrics are original with me; and others you will find to be familiar from the Psalms and other writings of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Some are based upon well- known Buddhist mantras.
Seven Antiphons for Advent (2011)
Unison voices, optional chordal accompaniment. 4.5’
Level: Easy
These simple unison settings of the Great O Antiphons are ideal for an Advent
service. They use a new English translation from the original Latin texts, dating back to at least the 8th century. The texts were adapted in possibly the 12th century to form the basis of the hymn Veni veni Emmanuel, now known as O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. These settings may be sung a cappella or with a simple chordal accompaniment, e.g. harp, guitar or keyboard.
Veni Creator Spiritus (2005)
SATB divisi, a cappella. 5’
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Language: Latin
Text: Most likely by Rabanus Maurus, Archbishop of Mainz (circa 9th century CE)
A dramatic choral setting of Veni Creator Spiritus (Come, Creator Spirit) is one of the great hymns of the Christian tradition. The original melody is thought to be much older. I have included a transcription of the original melody in the score; it is quite effective to sing this, followed by my setting of the text. The work is intended for use in concert rather than in a liturgical setting.
Kyrie Eleison (2001)
SATB divisi, a cappella. 9’
Level: Advanced
This very personal setting of the Kyrie is intended for use in concert rather than in a liturgical setting. Set in the traditional three-part form, the opening and closing sections feature flowing melodic figures; the Christe eleison builds to a dramatic climax and then gently subsides into the opening idea. There are brief moments of divisi in the soprano and alto parts.
O Lord, if my lips could sing (1998)
SATB, organ. 1.5’
Level: Easy
Text: from a Jewish hymn, 3rd – 5th centuries CE
This easy short anthem also functions well as a call to worship. Both male and female voices move strictly in parallel fifths, supported by a powerful organ.
Make a Joyful Noise (1998, rev. 2024)
SATB, organ. 1.5’
Level: Intermediate
Text: Psalm 100
A high energy rendition of Psalm 100, featuring driving syncopated rhythms and exciting but approachable harmonic changes. An experienced choir will enjoy the challenge; the congregation will wake up.
O Sing Unto the Lord (1997, rev. 2024)
SATB, organ. 3.5′
Level: Intermediate/advanced
Text: Adapted from Psalms 96 & 98
An exuberant setting of selected texts from Psalms 96 and 98, ending with a exultant Alleluia. Repetition of independent rhythmic phrases alternates with snatches of unison and chorale singing. For the experienced choir and organist.
Audio – Coming soon
Perusal Score
Purchase – Contact me.
Wake Up Children (1997)
SATB a cappella, soprano descant. 4’
Level: Intermediate
Here is a joyful and optimistic original in a straightforward gospel style. It features lively rhythms throughout and solo descant for your strongest soprano.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven (1996)
SSATB a cappella. 2.5’
Level: Early Intermediate
This setting of the Lord’s Prayer is very expressive and quite accessible for amateur choirs. It was composed for an unaccompanied SATB choir and contains a few measures of simple divisi in the soprano part. A rehearsal keyboard reduction is included.
O Sabbath Rest of Galilee (1995)
SATB divisi, a cappella, soprano solo. 2’
Level: Intermediate
Text: John Greenleaf Whittier
A setting of two verses from Whittier’s great hymn Dear Lord and Father of Mankind. I dedicated it to my teacher, Mel Powell, who years before had introduced me to Charles Ives’ beautiful setting of them, titled Serenity. The influence of Ives may show through a bit.
Noel (1995)
SSATB a cappella. 3’
Level: Intermediate
This setting of a poem by Elaine Haas is an intimate depiction of the mother and child at the manger; it evokes the peace, the joy, and the mystery of the birth of Jesus.
Suite of English Lyrics (1981, rev. 2009)
SATB, baritone solo a cappella. 12’
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Language: Middle English
Movements:
I. I sing of a maiden (SATB)
II. Adam lay ybounden (SATB)
III. Ich am of Irland (SSA)
IV. Westron Wind (SATB, baritone solo)
V. Jesu Crist, myn leman swete (SATB)
VI. Alas! Deceite (SATB)
This suite is a setting of six anonymous sacred and secular English lyrics dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. For me, a great part of their beauty lies in their touching simplicity and directness of expression. The suite is appropriate for intermediate-advanced ensembles. All of the movements are available separately at JWPepper as well; practice files are available at choraltracks.com.