Alleluia Dialogues
(Motet for Double SATB Choir, a cappella, and optional Handbells)
by
Dan Locklair
Alleluia Dialogues was commissioned by The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago (Morgan Simmons, Organist and Choirmaster) and dedicated to my wife, Paula, on our seventh wedding anniversary. The word “Alleluia” is this motet’s only text. Conceived for two four-part antiphonal choruses (a cappella), the optional handbell parts in the motet’s lyrical middle section are intended to be performed by chorus members. Flanking this middle section are energetic and playful opening and closing sections. Composed in 1990, Alleluia Dialogues was given its World Premiere in Chicago on Easter Sunday (March 31) 1991 by Morgan Simmons and The Fourth Church Choir. In 1992, Alleluia Dialogues received a historic performance by the Technik Bratislava Choir at the Czech Festival of Choral Arts in Jihlava, Czech Republic. This performance marked the first time in the history of this prestigious Festival that an American composer had been invited to attend and have his music performed there.
Dan Locklair
Winston-Salem, North Carolina