
Illuminare

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.
Illuminare will be performed by consortium members throughout the 2021-22 season. It will be available for purchase in July 2022.
Duration: 24 minutes
Chamber Orchestra Instrumentation:
flute, oboe, horn in F (2)
percussion (2), piano
strings
Strings and Percussion Instrumentation:
percussion (2), piano
strings (2.2.2.2.1 min.)
SATB Chorus and Piano accompaniment
Texts and Translations
1. SPLENDOR
St. Ambrose (340-397)
Splendor paternae gloriae,
de luce lucem proferens,
lux lucis et fons luminis,
diem dies illuminans.
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:
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:
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
October 2, 2021 Festival Singers of Florida
conducted by Dr. Kevin Fenton, Lakeland, FL
December 4, 2021 University of Portland
conducted by Dr. David De Lyser, Portland, OR
December 11, 2021 Des Moines Choral Society
conducted by Dr. James Rodde, Des Moines, IA
February 12, 2022 newVoices Choir
conducted by Dr. Phillip Swan, Appleton, WI
March 10–11, 2022 Cherry Creek Chorale
conducted by Brian Leatherman, Cherry Hills Village, CO
April 2–3, 2022 Chorale Midwest
conducted by Dr. Bradley Barrett, Cedar Rapids, IA
April 29, 30, May 1, 2022 Two Rivers Chorale
conducted by Timothy Sawyer, St. Paul, MN
May 1, 2022 Master Singers
conducted by Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff, Eau Claire, WI