David Conte - Gloria
David Conte - Gloria
Conte, renown for his vocal compositions, again shows off his exceptional compositional craft in this almost fifteen minute long work.
Gloria, David Conte's newest work for SATB choir, soprano soloist, organ, and brass ensemble, was premiered by West Chester University of PA on December 11th (watch the concert here). Led by Dr. David P. DeVenney, the WCUPA Mastersingers and Concert Choir gave a tremendous performance of yet another stellar vocal work by Conte. The performance also starred soprano soloist Dr. In Young Lee and organist Sándor Kádár. (watch the updated YouTube video here)
Conte, renown for his vocal compositions, again shows off his exceptional compositional craft in this almost fifteen minute long work. Gloria begins with an exuberant introductory fanfare for brass and organ, shortly followed with the full choir echoing out 'gloria' to the previous tune of the brass. Conte expertly alternates between contrapuntal brass sections and full choir, before calming into the first lyrical section, where he allows Lee's striking soprano lyricism to overpower the entire ensemble. Lee's performance and musicality is gorgeous, especially for a world premiere of a new work.
Also, one should note Conte's exceptional usage of the organ in his ensemble. Kádár expertly choose organ registrations which always supported the choir and brass, only dominating the texture when truly necessary. His sensibility and Conte's compositional expertise allowed for the brass and organ to at times blend into one master instrument, while at other times mimicking hymn-like accompaniments one would hear at a Christmas Eve mass. The organ is one of the most difficult instruments to control properly, and both composer and performer did an excellent job throughout the Gloria.
The recapitulation section of the work was an incredibly playful way to end the piece. Conte restarts the fanfare opening, and then transitions into jolly, mixed-meter dance. The section climaxes up until the ensemble drops out entirely, giving the audience the first chance at an a cappella section. Suddenly, the organ and brass rock the hall with powerful jazzy harmonies, eventually dying away into almost nothingness. Conte then gives Lee a concluding solo, and the entire ensemble says goodnight with the tranquility of a beautiful 'Amen'.
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