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The composer composed this choral collection to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of Mitsubishi Corporation Choir. At the start of composing, he asked the members to suggest poems to be composed, among which poems inspired him the most. He selected five poems and set them to music with the aim of transforming "the glamor of sounds," which cannot be sent enough by translation, into music by the use of the original language. Four of the five chosen poems are the famous 19th century English ones, and the other is a modern American one. Each text has traditional phonological style and has been composed into songs or choral works by many composers because the poems in themselves have musical elements.
1. To --
We may interpret the poem to be dedicated to a dead lover or to the muse in the mind of the poet. We might think of expressing the music continuing to live in my heart.
2. The Rainbow
The poet wishes to keep the awe to nature fostered in his childhood, the pure feeling, now when he is an adult and even in his old age. This piece modulates from G major, through E major and H major, to G major like the colors of a rainbow, representing the rainbow of harmony.
3. Windy Nights
The poem is included in the poet's "A Child's Garden of Verses." This collection of poems written for children has been loved by many people in the English-speaking world. This piece proceeds fast with a sense of speed. The composer got the musical motif to express the poem in which violently windy night were likened to a galloping horse.
4. Requiem
"This be the verse you' grave for me," the line in the second stanza, is inscribed on his tombstone as he wished. The composer composed this piece imagining quiet prayers and satisfied sleep.
5. Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
There are some textual versions due to the differences and intentional changes of the lines during the spread of verse. So the opinions on the authentic original text are divided. In the first phrase "Do not stand at my grave and weep," the composer fells the resolved will of the poet, who wanted surely to say that "I am not in the grave. I am here. So please don't weep. Live for the moment." This interpretation covers the musical structure of this piece.

Listen to the whole work on the YouTube video site:
https://www.youtube.com/user/panamusica

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The composer composed this piece imagining one scene of the festivals performed at temples in the ancient world. The central motif of "b-es-f, des-es-f" was inspiried by the energy replete with the word "psallite" or "play the harp / sing with the harp."
A string, the sound of which was thought to have a miraculously spiritual power. was an object to which a divinespirit was summoned and by which men could commune with God. In Japanese "Kojiki" (The Records of Acient Matter), a "koto" is described as a musical instrument with spiritual power. And in "Shinto" a rite called "meigen," an act of stroking bowstrings to purity spirits, is performed.
The composer would like singer to sing vigorously wishing to drive away ill spirits, evil atmosphere and vices spreading in this world.

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Swiss composer Ivo Antognini (b. 1963) has been described as "an important new voice" by The American Organist Magazine, the most widely read journal devoted to organ and choral music in the world. His choral works have won awards in many national and international choral composition events, and are performed all over the world by first-rate choirs. Antognini writes music for choirs of all levels and has a distinctive personal style. He is the composer-in-residence of the world-class children's choir Coro Calicantus. In July 2012, Antognini was invited by the American Choral Directors Association to present his choral music at the 7th World Choir Games in Cincinnati OH, USA, where he was one of the adjudicators.

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Alfonsina Storni (1892-1938) was born in Ponte Capriasca, a small village in Ticino (Switzerland) which is 15 km from where the composer lives. Alfonsina lived an unconventional and adventurous life punctuated by difficulties and misfortunes. She was a teacher, actress, journalist, writer and single mother who faced the many challenges and prejudices of twentieth-century Buenos Aires. In the summer of 1935, she found out that she had breast cancer and was treated with surgery, but the disease continued to spread. In 1938, in Mar del Plata, she committed suicide by walking into the ocean and drowning.

"Dos Palabras" is an extraordinary love poem that the composer has translated into music, trying to preserve all the sensuality, the passion and the freshness which is evident in the poem.

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The composer has created a beautiful and transparent setting of this standard text of mercy and peace. At times sounding like Gregorian chant and at other times completely contemporary. "Project Encore" has found this work to be of exceptional merit. Its panel of internationally known conductors has selected the work for inclusion in its database of recommended choral music.

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"Kyrie eleison" is a tribute to J.S. Bach. The composer wrote this piece during a very difficult time in his life. He was 21 years old, and was going through an existential crisis. One evening, he entered our town church, sat down at the organ, and began to improvise. As tears streamed down his face, the notes of this "Kyrie eleison" emerged. He wrote a version for piano that remained in his repertoire for years, and he decided to convert it into a piece for SATB.

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O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM is divided into three parts: the first, in a major key, with the four voices that combine, follow, and chase one another to announce the great mystery of the birth of Christ. The second part is in a minor key, and has a darker, melancholy color, and introduces us to the third, conclusive section. The final Alleluja is in mixolydian mode, and has a triumphant and luminous character, but the brief coda brings us back into a more intimate and tranquil climate.

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The traditional Latin text about the mystery and majesty of the nativity is lovingly caressed in this evocative offering from composer Nicholas White, new to the Mark Foster catalog. There is great warmth in the chordal timbre of this excellent piece well suited for sanctuary or concert hall. The bittersweet quality of the writing makes this an ideal Christmas Eve selection.

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Layers of absolute loveliness characterize the setting of this beloved text. A choral tone poem, this anthem provides ample opportunities for expressive singing. Purity of tone is a must for such delicate and artful writing. A spectacular new addition to the oeuvre of this celebrated sacred text.

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This movement from the composer's larger work, Alleluia! Puer natus est nobis is a sensitive, almost haunting setting of the traditional Latin text. A repeated chaconne-like progression forms the foundation of the work while a soprano solo rises like a prayer above the choral texture. Gentle dissonance requires a purity of tone and a careful attention to dynamics and balance.

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