)
search-1
search-1 Search
Located in the UK Located in the UK
Located in the USA Located in the USA
Located in Europe Located in Europe
    Located in Europe Located in Europe
    Digital download Digital download
    • Alec Roth

    • Earthrise (2010)
      (Versions for accompanied SATB choir and with semichorus)

    • Peters Edition Limited (World)

    The original 40-part version of "Earthrise" was composed using Thomas Tallis’s motet "Spem in Alium" as a template, and is scored for eight five-part choirs (each comprising SATBarB). In order to make the work accessible for choirs both large and small, this single-choir version is available with a variety of different accompaniments, ranging from piano to full orchestra. FORCES REQUIRED: - VOICES: Choir SATB, with simple divisions in the soprano and bass parts. A small semi-chorus has slightly more challenging material. A small solo role is undertaken by a tenor from the Semi-chorus. Although designed for choral forces, the work could be performed with one voice to a part, in which case, the minimum number of singers would be twelve, as follows: choir – 6 singers (SSATBB); semi-chorus – 6 singers (SSATBB). - ACCOMPANIMENT VERSIONS: 1. organ 2. piano (4 hands) 3. string orchestra (with optional percussion) 4. symphony orchestra. The singers use this same vocal score, whichever accompaniment version is used. The original 40-part version of Earthrise was commissioned by Ex Cathedra in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The first performance was given by Ex Cathedra, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore, at the Town Hall, Birmingham, 31 January 2010.

    • mixedch/semi-chorus; org
    • mixedch;semi-chorus/[perc]/pno4hnd
    • mixedch
    • 25 min

    Programme Note

    The first photograph of planet Earth was taken on 24 December 1968 by the astronauts of the Apollo 8 mission. Captioned ‘Earthrise’, it caused a world-wide sensation. Arguably the most important image in the history of mankind, its influence on the environmental movement was immediate and profound. The picture of our small blue planet in the vast darkness of space showed clearly its great beauty, but also its great vulnerability:

    It was the most beautiful, heart-catching sight of my life . . .raging nationalistic interests, famines, wars, pestilence don’t show from that distance.
    (Frank Borman, Apollo 8 astronaut)

    We live in a distracted world on the brink of environmental catastrophe. What can we do? The Gaia-theory scientist James Lovelock insists that to mobilise public opinion, appealing to reason alone will not suffice. We must develop an emotional connection to the Earth “by harnessing the power of metaphor and myth, ancient wisdom and sacred texts”. And, of course, music.


    EARTHRISE - A CHORAL CELEBRATION

    The astronauts who saw the whole Earth from Apollo 8 gave us an icon.
    (James Lovelock, Homage to Gaia, 2000).

    Earthrise is a 25-minute meditation on this icon and falls into three sections:

    • Part 1 – Man’s Drive to Explore and Exploit
    • Part 2 – Contemplation of the Earth Seen from Space
    • Part 3 – A Plea for True Wisdom and Understanding

    THE TEXT

    The astronauts’ reactions echo the prophet Isaiah’s vision of a God’s-eye view of the Earth: “Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket. Look, the islands are like a fine dust.” These and other visionary words taken from ancient sources form the text of Earthrise, sung in Latin. The words, translated into the language of the audience may be projected during the performance or available in programmes, downloads etc. The urgent relevance of the subject matter (particularly to young people) makes Earthrise especially suitable for educational and outreach projects.


    THE MUSIC - TWO VERSIONS

    [1] Version for unaccompanied Choir in 40 parts

    Suitable for professional or professional-standard choirs, this version uses the same format as Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis: eight five-part Choirs, each SATBB. An optional “continuo” part is available for Organ, or Chamber Organ with Cello/Bass.
    The Full Score and sets of the eight Choir Books are on hire (EP73223)
    A perusal copy of the Full Score is free to view online here.

    [2] Version for accompanied SATB Choir with semichorus

    This version is suitable for choirs, large or small - basically SATB with a few simple divisions in the soprano and bass parts. A semichorus (minimum six singers SSATBB) has slightly more challenging material, including a solo tenor role. The minimum number of singers required for a performance with one to a part, would be 12 (Choir SSATBB; Semichorus SSATBB); the number of singers can be expanded to fit the requirements of larger choirs or choral groups.

    The Vocal Score is on sale (EP73224), and is the same for each accompaniment version.

    Four different accompaniment versions are available:

    (1) Organ

    Full Score (EP73224E) and Organ Part (EP73224A) on sale

    (2) Piano (4 hands) with Optional Percussion

    Full Score (EP73224F) and Parts (EP73224B & EP73224G) on sale

    (3) String Orchestra with Optional Percussion

    Full Score and Parts on hire (EP73224C); Full Score also on sale

    (4) Full Orchestra

    Full Score and Parts on hire (EP73224D) - in preparation (2022)


    RECORDING

    The 40-part unaccompanied choir version is recorded by Ex Cathedra on Signum (SIGCD270), available on CD, digital download and streaming. Also available online on YouTube.


    FURTHER INFORMATION - please see the Contact page.


    Alec Roth’s music is striking for its rich, beautifully crafted choral textures, ecological and metaphysical subject matter, and references to the great heritage of European choral music. Earthrise is a fabulous choral work in three movements with the sort of poly-choral, lushly harmonised climaxes that send shivers down the spine.
    (Richard Morrison, The Times, London, 11 February 2012)

    Media

    Scores