Locus iste (2009)

Locus iste, set by Paul Mealor, from the opening chord takes the attention far from Bruckner's model. It cries out for the sort of glowing, ecstatic sound which can be produced by choirs whose members are really attentive to the demands of appropriate vocal production of vowels, voice placement, blend, and ensemble. It is marked molto espressivo and needs just that. If these ideals can be achieved the results is marvellous and full of emotion. A dynamic range from pppp to fff will provide even more challenge.

In 'Locus Iste' Paul Mealor, like some others in this genre, exploits the simple triad with the semitone and other added notes, usually at a slow tempo, to create an atmosphere of reverence or contemplation; where there is little modulation there is a sense of stasis. A wide dynamic range as well as some poised and sensitive soft singing is expected from a choir, sometimes in nine parts, capable of sonority and accurate tuning.