https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4bN5TbhqSY All Flesh (SATB, unaccompanied) 1 Peter 1:24-25 (ESV, alt.) "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." Alleluia. Amen. for Dr. David Shockey, remembering Samuel Hsu Sung by the Cairn University Chamber … Continue reading All Flesh (SATB, unaccompanied)
Reharmonization: ST. DENIO
PDF: ST DENIO reharm A reharmonization of the hymn tune ST. DENIO, written to accompany the final verse of the hymn "Though Troubles Assail Us" (John Newton). The tune is more familiar to most as that of "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise," and this arrangement works well for the final verse of that hymn as … Continue reading Reharmonization: ST. DENIO
Reharmonization: Give to Our God Immortal Praise
https://soundcloud.com/ryancarsonmusic/reharmonization-give-to-our-god-immortal-praise Reharmonization: Give to Our God Immortal Praise A reharmonization of the hymn "Give to Our God Immortal Praise" (text by Isaac Watts), composed with verse 5 particularly in mind. Suitable to accompany a congregation singing the tune in unison, or to be sung by an SATB church choir. (PDF of the score above.)
Is Jazz America’s Classical Music?
Is jazz, as is often claimed, “America’s classical music?” The answer, quite simply, is no. American classical music is “America’s classical music.” But I hasten to explain myself, lest you think I mean to be disparaging. To say that jazz is not “America’s classical music” does not mean that it is something lesser, only … Continue reading Is Jazz America’s Classical Music?
Jubal’s Pipes (flute and clarinet duet)
Written in 2014 while I was a master's student at Temple University, "Jubal's Pipes" is a virtuosic duet for flute and clarinet with a primitive, dance-like character. The full ranges of the instruments are called upon, and the performers must navigate passages of tightly-woven imitation, which give the music its playful and elusive atmosphere. (There's … Continue reading Jubal’s Pipes (flute and clarinet duet)
The Voice of My Beloved Sounds (Hymn)
https://soundcloud.com/user-903263906/the-voice-of-my-beloved-sounds-midi "My beloved speaks and says to me: 'Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land." (Song of Solomon 2:10-12) … Continue reading The Voice of My Beloved Sounds (Hymn)
An Elegiac Fugue (string quartet)
https://soundcloud.com/user-903263906/an-elegiac-fugue-for-string-quartet " People look at my library, and they think that I am interested in everything. But I am interested in one thing; I am interested in Love." We sat in the kitchen of our sweltering dorm room late one evening during Samuel Hsu's last summer at Csehy Summer School of Music. For hours we … Continue reading An Elegiac Fugue (string quartet)
The Best and Truest Story (for Jeremy and Esther)
(Delivered Saturday, September 28, 2013, following the wedding of Jeremy and Esther Carter.) I've given a lot of thought over the past few months to what I ought to say today, and while I'm still not exactly sure what I ought to say, I've come up with a few things that I am going to … Continue reading The Best and Truest Story (for Jeremy and Esther)
Legolas on ethnomusicology and aesthetic meaning
"[Aragorn] began to chant softly softly in a slow tongue unknown to the Elf and Dwarf; yet they listened, for there was a strong music in it. 'That, I guess, is the language of the Rohirrim,' said Legolas; 'for it is like to this land itself; rich and rolling in part, and else hard and … Continue reading Legolas on ethnomusicology and aesthetic meaning
Once upon a weblog…
Well, here's a blog. I'm starting this site as a way for me to keep up a regular writing habit, and to provide you with information and updates on my composition and performance endeavors. Shameless, I know. But, perhaps some small spark of thought from my humble head will kindle a flame of insight in … Continue reading Once upon a weblog…
Ryan Carson 