- Seasons of the Spirit (2008) 2 sopranos and mezzo soprano, string trio (violin, viola, cello) and organ 26'
- Commissioned by Pastiche, on behalf of the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Collegeville, Minn.
- Premiere—February 8, 2008 by Pastiche, Petters Auditorium, Benedicta Arts Center, College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota
- Criers of Splendor
- Autumn
- Winter
- Spring
- Summer
- Jig and Hymn
Program Note
Seasons of the Spirit, a cantata for women's voices, string trio and organ, received its premiere on February 8, 2008 at the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN. Commissioned by Pastiche, the music faculty ensemble at the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Seasons of the Spirit honors the sisters of St. Benedict's Monastery on the occasion of their sesquicentennial, in the words of one of its members, Delores Dufner, OSB.
Opening with the bells of St. Gregory's "criers of splendor," voices are heard solo and in ensemble as Sr. Delores's poems sing "of life in its cycles": autumn bird calls; an avalanche of winter snow; spring's giddy laughter; the warmth of a mezzo-soprano and viola in summer duet. The work culminates in a general dance and hymn in praise of music's power to awaken, unite and glorify. The instrumentation—three groups of three, often treated as opposing choirs—complements the cyclical nature of the text. In celebrating life, Seasons of the Spirit affirms the question posed by the soul to the Creator: "Could love be your motive, and beauty, your face?"
The creation of Seasons of the Spirit was made possible through the generosity of Don and Rita Kainz. It is dedicated to the Sisters of St. Benedict's Monastery, in honor of their sesquicentennial and in appreciation for their tireless support for the spiritual and artistic life of generations of students.