CARMINE LAPPANO

by Carmine Lappano
text: James Joyce

SATB a cappella – CP 2310 – duration 4:55
As I came across this poem by James Joyce, looking for something to set to music, I knew I had found something very special. Considering that most (if not all) of this set of poems were love poems, this particular one seems to be of a love from a brother who has lost his sister (or a sister that lost her sister). I can see him at her grave thinking these words from the text. Perhaps on a beautiful evening in the spring, at dusk, the brother finds himself in grief as he asks his sister to arise and return to him. Alas, he knows these words are only for himself to hear, as he continues to grieve the loss. Joyce paints a picture around him that is quite lovely, with odorous winds and night-dew fields.

by Carmine Lappano
text: Isaac Watts

SATB with piano or organ – CP 2230 – duration 3:55

Hush! my dear, lie still and slumber,
  Holy angels guard thy bed!
Heavenly blessings without number
  Gently falling on thy head.

by Carmine Lappano

SATB a cappella – CP 2097 – duration 3:10

God be with us
Hear our prayer
Bless all those who sorrow
Please heal us with your love and compassion
And protect us all.

by Carmine Lappano

SAB with piano or organ – CP 1977 – duration 2:45

A simple, yet melodious setting of the beautiful text by hymn writer Frances R. Havergal. This piece, written for SAB choir, features a tune that is passed around the voices of the choir to create a lovely contrast for each verse. The piece also has a flowing and gentle piano accompaniment which supports the singers in sustaining each phrase. Suitable for any time in the liturgical calendar, this tranquil anthem will be a pleasure for listeners and singers of any choral ensemble.

by Carmine Lappano

SATB a cappella – CP 1985 – duration 3:20

This beautiful text which is centuries old has been used for the Christian Eucharist traditionally on Maundy Thursday, specifically during the foot washing rite in the Mass of the Last Supper. Set in Latin, the text describes the love of God and how it has gathered all of us into one. Thus, the piece is appropriate for any time of the liturgical season.  The piece uses thick textures and lush harmonies to create that sense of congregation, and the conformity of sound that comes from graceful choral singing.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Where charity and love are, God is there.

Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.

Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.

Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Amen.
And may we love each other
with a sincere heart. Amen.