Before his work as a full-time composer, Trotta was an experienced educator, spending ten years as a full-time public school teacher. This, combined with his experience as a church music director, infuses his work with an intimate knowledge of the human voice and rare sensitivity to the capabilities of choral ensembles.
Michael John Trotta Sheet Music
Seven Last Words (Septem Ultima Verba)
SATB Choir
A seven-movement choral journey through the Passion, which delivers a powerful and captivating story encompassing a breathtaking palette of emotion, from intimate tenderness to majestic triumph. A landmark in its genre, this English setting from an American composer confirms Trotta’s presence as a masterful, sensitive, and expressive composer.
Format: Sheet Music
Ubi Caritas
SATB Choir Unaccompanied
Beautiful modern harmonies create the backdrop for this elegantly simple a cappella work, well within reach of most choirs. Straightforward rhythms and moments of release create a tapestry of sound that surrounds the solo chant line, which may be sung by a soloist, small group, or performed by a C instrument.
Format: Sheet Music
I Shall See
SATB Choir
Based on Psalm 27, this a cappella piece has a simple rhythmic texture that makes it accessible to any ensemble. A lovely harmonic palette is used to introduce the text in the first verse. Suitable for concert or worship settings.
Format: Sheet Music
Trotta conceived this well-known Latin text as a dialogue between supplicants and the Creator. He masterfully juxtaposes a personal longing for something still to come with the steadfast assurance of something ever-present, yet not always seen. While the original theme is associated with the Christmas season, the wider theme of longing for something greater is universal to the human condition and allows this piece to be programmed throughout the year.
Format: Sheet Music
Caritas Abundat
SATB Choir
is an energetic reimagining of a timeless text and tune from the 12th-century poet, composer, and philosopher Hildegard of Bingen. The marriage of the chant Caritas Abundat with a text taken from Liber Divinorum Operum (The Book of Divine Works) creates an entirely new work that expresses themes of empowerment.
Format: Download
i carry your heart with me
SATB Choir with Piano and Optional Oboe
Trotta's unique juxtaposition of texts from the past (Requiem text in the Liber Usualis) with the present (E. E. Cummings's poem i carry your heart) results in a compelling, lush composition accessible to mixed choirs of all sizes.
Format: Download
Make Space for Life to Live
SATB Choir and Piano
Make Space for Life to Live by Michael John Trotta offers captivating, expansive melodies interwoven with a piano accompaniment that makes subtle allusions to the main theme. Its mesmerising text resonates with the singer and the audience.
Format: Download
Missa Brevis
Three-part mixed choir
In response to the growing need for developmentally appropriate repertoire that facilitates the teaching of independent part-singing, Missa Brevis was composed for emerging choirs seeking concert repertoire that will help to lay a foundation for lifelong success in the choral sphere. Conservative vocal ranges, singable vocal lines and attention to the developing singer make this work a great choice for emerging choral ensembles.
Format: Sheet Music
For a Breath of Ecstasy
SATB Choir
For a Breath of Ecstasy is a seven-movement work for chorus, strings, and oboe that is based on texts by Sara Teasdale. This major work for chorus, strings, and oboe features settings of the poetry of Sara Teasdale, commemorating the centennial of her winning the Pulitzer Prize in poetry for her Love Songs. Northwestern State University commissioned this work.
Format: Sheet Music
Make Space for Life to Live
SATB Choir and Piano
Make Space for Life to Live by Michael John Trotta offers captivating, expansive melodies interwoven with a piano accompaniment that makes subtle allusions to the main theme. Its mesmerising text resonates with the singer and the audience.
Format: Download
