John F Paul Music
Inclina aurem tuam
Benedictine College Wind Ensemble
conducted by Tom Davoren
Instrumentation
Flute 1-2
Oboe
Clarinet 1-2
Bassoon (optional)
Trumpet 1-3
Horn 1-2
Trombone 1-3
Tuba
Percussion 1: Timpani, Tam-tam
Percussion2: Chimes, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Snare Drum
Piano
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Double-bass
Program Notes
Inclina aurem tuam is a fantasia upon an ancient chant, the text of which is a universal plea for divine help: "incline your ear, make haste to rescue us." The piece presents the chant melody in six different guises: solemn incantation, intimate love song, impatient battle-cry, a repeat of the battle-cry soaring above a 16th-century setting of the chant by Heinrich Isaac, a return of the love song, and a simple, humble prayer. These are framed and supported by four pillars, the four phrases of the chant in chorale setting. The last pillar is a joyous realization that prayers were heard.