Works by Joseph Jongen (1873-1953)Jongen's Mass for choir, organ and brass edited by John Scott Whiteley and Tom Cunningham"one of the most beautiful and accessible pieces of 20th century choral music I know", John W. Ehrlich, Music Director, Spectrum Singers, Cambridge, MA. After lying forgotten for 40 years, Jongen's Mass Op. 130 has been performed widely in recent years throughout the world. Listen to the "Sanctus". The vocal score, edited by John Scott Whiteley and Tom Cunningham, is published by Oxford University Press and won the Don Malin award in 1991. Scoring is for SATB choir (with short solo quartets), organ and brass (4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones and tuba) - the brass parts are available on hire. The composer also wrote an alternative scoring for organ without the brass for which the vocal score can be used. The work lasts about 35 minutes. Organ
Magazine said: Gramophone (January 2007) said:
The American Organist said:
Tom has conducted it himself in Brussels, Moscow and Budapest and
can supply more information to anyone interested - see Contact.
A live recording of one of his performances is available on CD Pavane ADW 7242 from amazon.co.uk.
Listen to an excerpt ("Sanctus"). You can read an article he wrote for a magazine in 1991. Two
recent recordings
are available.
Songs by Jongen edited by Tom Cunningham
Deus Abraham. Written in 1909 for the composer's own
wedding for medium-high voice, violin
(or cello) and organ (or piano), it lasts 3-4 minutes and is in
lyrical, romantic style. Can be sung by unison choir. Click to purchase at: amazon.com or amazon.co.uk.
Quid sum miser. Written in 1899 on the death of a young
friend, for medium voice, violin and organ (or piano), it lasts
about 6 minutes, is emotionally intense, with beautiful writing
for all three participants which recalls Strauss and Brahms. Click to purchase at: amazon.com or amazon.co.uk.
Three sacred songs (O quam suavis
est, Hostias et preces
and Pie Jesu) written in 1894 to 1898 for high voice, organ or
piano. They are also suitable for young voices, either solo or
unison, and are somewhat like the Fauré miniatures. Click to purchase at: amazon.com or amazon.co.uk. The Organists' Review (August 1999) said: "One could say that his own harmonic language has yet to develop, but this would almost be to damn with faint praise the truly beautiful effect of these solo motets. Clearly a synthesis of the styles with which he had been brought up, they have a classic elegance, beauty and charm, and are full of interest. I recommend that anyone with a girls or boys choir after something a little different should buy a copy of each and consider performing them either liturgically or in concert." All have original Latin texts and optional English texts. A recording of Deus Abraham, Quid sum miser and Pie
Jesu is available on Hyperion
CDA67603 with members of The
Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, Thomas Gould (violin) and Paul
Provost (organ). The CD also contains the Mass Op. 130 by Jongen. You can find more information, listen to excerpts and buy the CD here or at amazon.co.uk or amazon.com.
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