Chamber Vocal
Song of Songs (2011-2012)
six songs for soprano, tenor, and piano, text adapted from the Bible by Bernard Scherr
I. Salutations
II. The Search
III. Admiration
IV. The Dream
V. The Journey
VI. Love
This set of six songs was commissioned by Dr. Chris Hollingsworth, Director of Opera, Hardin-Simmons University. He wanted a set of songs based on the Song of Songs from the Old Testament that he and his wife, Rosie, could sing together. His only requirement was that the set include the verse: “Place me as a seal over your heart”. I developed a narrative from various parts of the book and then formed coherent lyrics from this narrative. There are a number of instances in which the text is quite intimate; but, this is wholly appropriate given that this performers are married and in love!
Three Psalms (2005)
for soprano, mezzo soprano and piano
I. Psalm 6
II. Psalm 121
III. Psalm 93
These were commissioned by Dr. Lynnette Chambers, Professor of Voice at Hardin-Simmons University, and Dr. Kecia Ashford, former Associate Professor of Voice at Hardin-Simmons University. The set has been performed on numerous occasions by Dr. Chambers and Dr. Melody Rich, Assistant Professor of Voice, Hardin-Simmons University.
Psalm 6-duet
Psalm 121-duet
Psalm 93-duet
Life’s Immortalities (2002-2003)
for mezzo soprano and piano, texts by Robert Browning, in two movements
I. Fame
II. Love
This set was commissioned by Dr. Jayne Middleton, Professor of Voice at Hardin-Simmons University.
Six Songs (1995-99)
for soprano and piano
I. Ring Out, Wild Bells (1995 96) for sop. and piano, text by Alfred Tennyson
II. I Like To See It Lap The Miles (1996) for sop. and piano, text by Emily Dickinson
III. Because I Could Not Stop For Death (1997) for sop. and piano, text by Emily Dickinson
IV. Sweet and Low (1998) for sop. and piano, text by Alfred Tennyson
V. Home They Brought Her Warrior Dead (1998) for sop. and piano, text by Alfred Tennyson
VI. Hope (1999) for sop. and piano, text by Emily Dickinson
These songs were premiered in two different locations by Lorri Frogget and Sandy Holder. Three songs were premiered in Washington, and three were premiered in Oregon.
Six Songs I-Ring Out
Six Songs II-I Like to See it Lap the Miles
Six Songs III-Because I Could Not Stop for Death
Six Songs IV-Sweet and Low
Six Songs V-Home They Brought Her Warrior
Six Songs VI-Hope
Life Moves In Delicate Ripples (1987)
for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, Bb trumpet, soprano, and strings, text by Ulrich Schaffer
This piece was premiered at Hardin-Simmons University.
Think of You for flute, oboe, soprano and piano (1985) 4:00
The text was written by Bernard Scherr in discussion with Beth and Joel.
The original oboe part was for flugelhorn.
This piece was commissioned by Beth and Joel Nunes on the occasion of their wedding.