Advent Trilogy (Three Men of Christmas)
for Baritone & Piano

Details:

Instrumentation: Baritone Voice & Piano
Duration: 17'
Composed: 2014
Published by: Amy Mills Music, LLC

These three art songs can be performed independently or in sequence, at any time of the year. Stuart McAlpine’s profound text explores three men from the Christmas story, Joseph, the Inn-keeper, and Simeon. The creative and beautiful musical settings allow for powerfully dramatic interpretation and performance.

“To Joseph (who taught me how to look at art)” The singer sings to Joseph, “…you beheld a work of art, the making of a holy heart…” and watching through Joseph’s eyes, “when hung at last, its meaning was decreed.” (4:40)

“The Inn-keeper’s Lament” McAlpine brilliantly explores the possibility…what if the inn-keeper who turned away Mary & Joseph later became the inn-keeper who accepted the injured man brought in by the Good Samaritan? This powerfully dramatic piece depicts the Bethlehem inn-keeper’s bravado, “Caeser’s decree was heaven sent, as guests raised glasses, I raised rent!” But as the enormity of his mistake became apparent, in later years he bemoans, “…if I’d known then what I know now…” and finally declares at the end, “I know now!” (7:50)

“Simeon’s Last Prayer” Simeon sings of being summoned to the temple where he holds his infant Savior. “…then as grandfathers do, rejoiced as if he were my one-and-only too.” As he leaves he whispers his final prayer, “…dismiss your servant, to find You face-to-face.” (4:30)

Difficulty Level:
Baritone/Mezzo-Soprano 6 (Professional)
(Baritone Range: low A (optional low G) to high F# (optional high G,A)
(Mezzo Range: low A (optional low G) to high G (optional high A)
Piano 6 (Professional)
(Same level as Debussy or Ravel) See also the version for Mezzo-Soprano and Piano See composer website for audio sample.