Illuminare is Elaine’s first extended work, consisting of five movements for SATB chorus and chamber orchestra. Using lesser-known sacred Latin, Greek, and English texts, the piece takes us through a season of beauty and goodness that has been disrupted by darkness and confusion. But as Light gradually returns, hope is restored, illuminating our future and guiding us in peace.

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Illuminare will be performed by consortium members throughout the 2021-22 season. It will be available for purchase in July 2022.

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Duration: 24 minutes

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Chamber Orchestra Instrumentation:

flute, oboe, horn in F (2)

percussion (2), piano

strings

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Strings and Percussion Instrumentation:

percussion (2), piano

strings (2.2.2.2.1 min.)

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SATB Chorus and Piano accompaniment

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Texts and Translations

1. SPLENDOR

St. Ambrose (340-397)

Splendor paternae gloriae,

de luce lucem proferens,

lux lucis et fons luminis,

diem dies illuminans.

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Splendor of God's glory,
brings forth light from light,
light of light, light's living spring,

Day, all days illuminates.

2. CARITAS​

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)

Caritas abundat in omnia,

de imis excellentissima

super sidera,
atque amantissima in omnia,

Quia summo regi

osculum pacis dedit.

Love abounds in all,
from the depths most excellent

to beyond the stars,
and loving toward all,
she has given the highest king

the kiss of peace.

3. NOX​

traditional Greek

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison.

Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.

Aurelius Prudentius Clemens (348-413)

Nox et tenebrae et nubila,

confusa mundi et turbida

Caligo terrae scinditur

percussa solis spiculo

Night and darkness and fog,

confused world and turmoil

dark gloom tears the earth

beats and stabs the sun

4. MUNERA PACIS 

Pope Gregory (540-604)

Ecce jam noctis tenuatur umbra,

Lux et auroræ rutilans coruscat: Supplices rerum Dominum canora Voce precemur:

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Ut reos culpæ miseratus, omnem Pellat angorem, tribuat salutem,

Donet et nobis bona sempiternae Munera pacis.

Behold, already night and shadows taper off Light and dawn sparkle and quiver
We humbly beg the Lord through song
Our voices pray:

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Though we are guilty, view us with compassion Banish anguish, bestow health
Grant us everlasting goodness
Give us peace.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

5. ILLUMINARE HIS

Canticle of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79)

Illuminare his qui in tenebris
et in umbra mortis sedent:
ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.

Illuminate those in darkness
and in the shadow of death sit
direct our footpath in the way of peace.

2021-22 Performances

September 11, 2021 Arlington Master Chorale 

conducted by Randy Jordan, Arlington, TX

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October 2, 2021 Festival Singers of Florida

conducted by Dr. Kevin Fenton, Lakeland, FL

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December 4, 2021 University of Portland

conducted by Dr. David De Lyser, Portland, OR

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December 11, 2021 Des Moines Choral Society

conducted by Dr. James Rodde, Des Moines, IA

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February 12, 2022 newVoices Choir

conducted by Dr. Phillip Swan, Appleton, WI

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March 10–11, 2022 Cherry Creek Chorale

conducted by Brian Leatherman, Cherry Hills Village, CO

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April 2–3, 2022 Chorale Midwest

conducted by Dr. Bradley Barrett, Cedar Rapids, IA

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April 29, 30, May 1, 2022 Two Rivers Chorale

conducted by Timothy Sawyer, St. Paul, MN

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May 1, 2022 Master Singers

conducted by Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff, Eau Claire, WI