American Triptych presents aspects of spiritual experience as expressed by three North American poets: Americans E. E. Cummings and W. S. Merwin, and Canadian Bliss Carman. Commissioned by the Reading Choral Society, Reading, Pennsylvania, David DeVenney, conductor. The work received its premiere performance on November 13, 1999.

 

The second movement, a modern translation of the tenth century hymn Veni Creator, is more lyrical in character and gives each section of the chorus a solo verse accompanied by obligato solo lines in the instrumental ensemble. The chosen ensemble of instruments (harp, soprano saxophone, doublebass, piano and percussion) gives the work a decidedly American character.

 

This work can also be performed with piano four-hands alone, or with piano four-hands and any combination of the ensemble instruments, with the two pianists omitting any doublings as indicated by the cues. Duration: 8:00