In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Robert Kyr

Living in: United States
Robert Kyr is among the most prolific composers of his generation, having composed (12 symphonies, 3 chamber symphonies, 3 violin concerti, and much chamber music,) in addition to (numerous) vocal works. His choral music is distinguished by a warmly compelling lyricism, as well as by a contrapuntal mastery that arises from his love of early music, especially the work of Dufay, Josquin Des Prez, and above all, Bach...

Kyr also envisioned choral music as an intrinsic part of international peacemaking. At the end of the (twentieth) century, he wrote that 'by performing and hearing music from around the world, (one is) taking an active part in promoting understanding-and, ultimately, peace (among) the diverse peoples of humankind. As a communal art, choral music is an especially moving way to experience the unity of all people; it has the power to bring us together as peoples of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities.'

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-3 of 3 items.

Robert Kyr : Toward Dawn

string trio: vln, vla, vlc

Robert Kyr : From the Abyss

Sung in Latin

Robert Kyr : Magnificat

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-22 of 22 items.

Robert Kyr : And Do We Listen

A moving setting of original words dealing with the loss of a beloved friend and lover of music.

Robert Kyr : Carols Ancient and New: 5. Welcome Yule

Robert Kyr : Dawnsong: Vocalise

This serene music is an arrangement of Scene XIV from the composer's oratorio Paradiso, which is a setting of the third part of Dante's Divine Comedy. The music is an evocation of Dante's passage into the hightest realms of heaven. The vocal parts are wordless, unaccompanied, and sublime, representing a song that accompanies his transformation of consciousness as he is surrounded by "love that moves the sun and other stars." Duration 5:45

Robert Kyr : Dona nobis pacem

A challenging work for skilled women's chorus featuring ethereal harmonies and soaring melodies. The soloists' lines are stunning. Duration: 6:00

Robert Kyr : Dwell in Possibility

The text for this piece about the charm of possibilities is a composite of words by Emily Dickinson and Robert Kyr with an excerpt from "In Paradisum" from the Requiem Mass. The music is dramatic, featuring sweeping melodic lines.

Duration: 4:00

Robert Kyr : Freedom Song

Written for the Conspirare Company of Voices and Craig Hella Johnson, this original work requires SATB soloists, SATB chorus (divisi) and some sort of percussion (the composer says "stick, or drum." ) Starting in the style of a slow spiritual, the piece builds in excitement as the four soloists (as well as some drawn from the chorus) improvise over the music. A thorough and thoughtful page of instructions is provided as to the overall performance and the improvisations (which are extensive and rhapsodic.) An amazing, energetic piece for your singers to encounter.

Robert Kyr : I to the Hills Will Lift Mine Eyes (Psalm 121): from Tenebrae (III)

The text of Psalm 121 from the Bay Psalm Book is set lyrically for SATB choir, while the tenor soloist comments in short, ornamental phrases on the text "O deep unknown." Part of the larger work Tenebrae.

Tenebrae is a musical journey through the shadows of the cross. The work is divided into nine individual movements and can be performed with either instrumental trio or piano accompaniment. Staging and program suggestions are included in the full score. Part IV of the "Life unto Life" Cycle.

This work may be performed with accompaniment of either instrumental trio or piano. The complete text and suggested staging appear in the full score.

Instrumental Parts include: Flute/Alto Flute, Viola, Violoncello

Robert Kyr : In Celebration of the Word

Robert Kyr : In Praise of Music

Robert Kyr : In the Name of Music

Commissioned by the Radcliffe Choral Society and the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, this piece was created to celebrate the awakening and life-transforming power of music, as a force that enlivens and enlightens us. The original text is by the composer. Although the original was for women's chorus and mixed chorus, this version is for SSAATBB chorus alone. Extensive instructions are provided for the ethereal aleatoric section, addressing stage placement, dynamics, use of a solo group, and how the piece should end. Duration 4:40

Robert Kyr : Land of Enchantment

The text for this stirring New Mexico-inspired piece is a composite of words by both the poet D. H. Lawrence and composer Robert Kyr.

Duration: 5:10

Robert Kyr : Mountain Song

This setting of words by Chinese poet Tu Fu as translated and adapted by Robert Kyr features harmonies and melodies that invoke a mountainous landscape. The lyrics also deal with nature and the human condition. Duration: 5:00

Robert Kyr : My Shepherd Is the Living Lord (Psalm 23): from Tenebrae (I-II)

A setting of Psalm 23 taken from the larger work Tenebrae. The chorus sings the well-known scripture text alone, and then repeats the text while the soloist responds with an original text.

This work may be performed with accompaniment of either instrumental trio or piano. The complete text and suggested staging appear in the full score.

Instrumental Parts include: Flute/Alto Flute, Viola, Violoncello

Robert Kyr : O Deep Riches (Chorale Motet)

This setting of Romans 11:33 as translated and adapted by Robert Kyr are words used by Catholics on the twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Lectionary: 121, dealing with the riches of wisdom and knowledge. The choral textures are relatively simple. This brief, rewarding piece is not very difficult to learn or sing and will delight congregations at services or audiences at concerts. Duration: 3:00

Robert Kyr : O God of My Salvation, Hear (Psalm 88): from Tenebrae (IV-V)

A setting of Psalm 88 taken from the larger work Tenebrae.

This work may be performed with accompaniment of either instrumental trio or piano. The complete text and suggested staging appear in the full score.

Instrumental Parts include: Flute/Alto Flute, Viola, Violoncello

Robert Kyr : Tenebrae: Journey through Shadows

A musical journey through the shadows of the cross. The work is divided into nine individual movements and can be performed with either instrumental trio or piano accompaniment. Staging and program suggestions are included in the full score. From Part IV of the "Life unto Life" Cycle. Approximately 18 minutes in length.

This work may be performed with accompaniment of either instrumental trio or piano. The complete text and suggested staging appear in the full score.

Instrumental Parts include: Flute/Alto Flute, Viola, Violoncello

Robert Kyr : The Rose Led Us to Our Eyes

The Rose Led Us to Our Eyes is a setting of a text by poet Ghalib (1797-1869) as adapted by the composer. The music is relatively uncomplicated and mellifluous.

Duration: 3:00

Robert Kyr : The Singer's Ode

Like Robert Kyr's "Ode to Music" (#8368, TBB), "The Singer's Ode" is another homage set to music with words and music by the composer. This one features sweeping melodies and rich harmonies culminating in an easy-to-perform aleatoric passage at the close.

Robert Kyr : Three Hopes for the Future: 1. May All Living Things Know Peace

Robert Kyr : Three Hopes for the Future: 2. Hold onto Peace

Robert Kyr : Three Hopes for the Future: 3. Peace Is A Song

Robert Kyr : Veni Creator Spiritus

A setting of a composite text by the composer which combines passages from a variety of sources: the Requiem service (Dies irae, Libera me), the Mass (Agnus Dei qui tollis, Agnus Dei dona nobis pacem), and from a hymn attributed to the Benedictine theologian Maurus (776-856) "Veni Creator Spiritus." The images of destruction that begin the work are gradually transformed through an invocation of the energies of creation, as the music of the first half (in minor mode) dissolves into the bright music of the conclusion (in major mode). Duration 5:40