Autumn Mist is a piano composition I wrote in 2023 for the early intermiediate pianist. Although the initial key signature is C Major, it starts on an E minor chord, giving it a decidedly modal feeling. The opening section starts predominantly with block chords with the F natural characteristic of the key signature, but unexpected … [Read more…]
In The Shadow of Your Wings is a song of praise and thanksgiving for God’s love, care, and protection throughout the challenges and mistfortunes of our lives. It acknowledges that we make it through those things because of God’s power. The lyrics are based on Psalm 63:7. Oh God, You have been my help. You … [Read more…]
O Sing to the Lord is song of praise for 3 part mixed voice choir, piano, and flute. The vocal parts are composed in a traditional round form and the flute adds contrasting rhythm and harmony. While the three voice parts could be similar voices, I had intended that each of the parts would include … [Read more…]
Choosing lyrics to begin a composition seemed like it should be the easiest part of the process. WRONG! I started out just looking at poetry or scripture that I liked. But sometimes the poem was too long to really work with. Other times it seemed too short. Then there is the issue of copyright and … [Read more…]
Winter Wind is a piano composition that captures the briskness, strong gusts, and periods of general ferosity that the winter weather can bring. I live high in the mountains and the wind is often more fierce than the temperatures or snow. In some passages I feel the plodding of a traveler trying to make forward … [Read more…]
May the Love of the Father is yet another moving prayer from John Birch. It calls upon the power of the Holy Trinity to lift our spirits bringing peacefulness to our lives. John Birch has an ability to convey the mystery God’s love in language that speaks to the modern day heart. May the love … [Read more…]
One of the lessons I am learning as an adult student of both composition and voice is humility. This humility is necessary in order to set aside any excess pride or superiority that can interfere with my learning. That isn’t always comfortable. Some definitions of humility include. While I believe all of these definitions are … [Read more…]
Veni, Veni Emmanuel (O Come, O come Emmanuel) is an anthem for Advent, utilizing SATB choir, piano, and handbells, anticipating the coming of Christ. It includes both Latin and English lyrics of praise, worship, and anticipation. I have always loved handbells. I spent a lot of my life at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio … [Read more…]
May the Peace of God is based on Philippians 4:7 and offers an assurance that we do not need to be anxious about anything. God has it all covered in ways that we cannot even begin to understand. In times of doubt, pray. In times of uncertainty, pray. When we have troubled minds, pray. Protect … [Read more…]
I Will Sing Alleluia was a really fun composition experience. It originally started as a longer piece, with a long introduction and piano interludes. Over many months, and multiple revisions it became an introit for choir and piano. The tone is positive, and a song of gratitude. I am really drawn to songs of praise … [Read more…]