Remembrance by Dan Locklair (b. 1949)
Remembrance (A Choral Piece for SATB Chorus, Organ and Optional Trumpet [C]) was composed in February 2006 for the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir (Winston-Salem, NC). As it was composed in memory of my parents Hester Helms Locklair (1918 – 2005) and Archie Greer Locklair (1916 – 1986), Remembrance is a deeply personal piece to me. Its text comes from The Beatitudes, which are found in Matthew 5: 3-12 (KJV). Approximately five minutes in length, Remembrance alternates the full four-part SATB choir with the men (TTBB) and women (SSAA) of the choir. An antiphon, “Remember your servants, Lord,” is heard three complete times over the course of the piece. It is my hope that the gentle musical language of this piece, as it both conveys this ancient text and floats between the performing forces (ultimately leading to a climax of grandeur), will convey to the listener a sense of Beauty and Peace that was inherent in my parents.
Dan Locklair
Winston-Salem, NC
Text
Antiphon :
Remember your servants, Lord.
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit;
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are those who mourn;
for they shall be comforted.
3. Blessed are the meek;
for they shall inherit the earth.
(Antiphon)
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness;
for they shall be satisfied.
5. Blessed are the merciful;
for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart;
for they shall see God.
(Antiphon)
7. Blessed are the peacemakers;
for they shall be called the children of God.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake;
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
9. Blessed are you when the world reviles you and persecutes you;
and utters all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake:
Rejoice and be exceeding glad;
for great is your reward in heaven.
Remember.
Matthew 5: 3-12 (KJV)