CLASSICS PROGRAM NOTES

William Hill wrote, “Renaissance, completed in December 2023, was commissioned by the Colorado Symphony, Peter Oundjian, Principal Conductor, for the Fortieth Anniversary of the Colorado Symphony Chorus in honor of Duain Wolfe, its Music Director and Founder."

“The words and music of Renaissance use language that covers a time span from almost one thousand years ago to the present. Having studied a bit of the writing of [German abbess, visionary, prophet, poet and composer] Hildegard von Bingen, I’m always struck by the contemporary relevance and wisdom of her words and music, even though she lived 1098-1179. Her thoughts have many parallels with the humanity in the works of Shakespeare, and with the ideals of responsibility to our communities and the earth put forth by Native Americans and Australian First People."

“Renaissance begins with a short, quiet orchestral Allelujah, which quickly moves into a rather dark and violent Dies Irae [‘Day of Wrath,’ i.e, Judgement Day, from the Requiem Mass for the Dead]. The orchestra and chorus parts are demanding with upward glissandos, dissonant intervals, odd-meter-driven rhythms, and edgy harmonic language. The words Dies irae are followed by a listing of many of the ways we humans have failed to reach our potential as brothers and sisters, and as stewards of our planet. The final Dies irae morphs into the chorus speaking in incoherent gibberish. This reflects my reading of Greta Thunberg’s thoughts on how politicians talk about protecting the planet, yet seem incapable of actually doing much about it."

“In my own thoughts, I find a close relationship between the seemingly different ideas of sadness and beauty. The Lacrimosa (weeping/tears) here attempts to utilize this combination of emotions with lyrical writing for the chorus and orchestra as the words evoke sadness for the abuses of the earth, and the lack of empathy for people who are oppressed and in unfortunate circumstances. Shakespeare’s words about the gift of mercy close this section with a hint of hope, followed by a gentle Allelujah."

“The following sections of Renaissance explore some of my favorite beautifully descriptive words of Hildegarde. Her melodic writing is truly timeless and lends itself to a variety of harmonic and rhythmic structures covering musical styles from her era to the present. Hildegarde’s philosophy of appreciation for nature, the interconnectivity of all people with each other and the earth, and the divine wisdom of immortal souls speaks to me in ways I can only describe in music."

“A short reiteration of the Dies irae and Lacrimosa remind us that we can turn away from the violence, rampant greed, exploitation of people and resources, and all that prevents a harmonious existence. This Dies irae is three measures of 6/4 meter followed by three bars of 6/8: 666, and 666. The book of Revelations associates this number with the Beast or the Devil. Are these evils an inherent part of us, an existential threat, or can they be overcome by empathy, kindness and love? I leave it to listeners to interpret this as they please. The title Renaissance, the ideals of Hildegarde, and the remaining sections of this music provide my hopeful answer."

“Quietly dissonant and eerily beautiful ostinatos usher in words that present the dichotomy of winter’s low sun beams, stark silhouettes and icy cold, with its inherent beauty and calm. This mystic time of year, with nature’s pace slowed, evokes a wonderful sense of peace and rest, as well as the promise of the spring to come. What could follow this but a light and lively little Renaissance song about the renewal of the earth and her inhabitants as winter bursts into spring."

“Words from Native American philosophy are followed by a thought provoking statement from an Australian First People’s proverb. The penultimate words are my own and express my hope that through introspection, compassion, altruism, and love we can all strive for a better more peaceful world."

“The final words are sung unaccompanied, Dona nobis pacem — Grant Us Peace.”

Renaissance

Text compiled by William Hill from influences of the Requiem Mass, William Shakespeare, Hildegard von Bingen, Native American Wisdom, and Australian First People Proverbs

Allelujah (orchestra)

Dies Irae [“Day of Wrath,” i.e., Judgement Day, from the Requiem Mass for the Dead]

Violence Hatred Prejudice

Conquest Greed Revenge

War is glorified and life devalued

Dies Irae

Nature exploited and depleted

Climate catastrophe

Dies Irae (Gibberish)

Lacrimosa [“tears”]

The earth cries bitter tears for the abuse of Nature’s gifts

Weep for the meek, and the oppressed Lament and grieve that we have forgotten that mercy blesses the giver and the receiver in equal measure, just as the gentle rain nurtures all of nature