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The following are two videos of the Sul Ross State University Choir performing two of my pieces: the arrangement of “Duermete, Niño lindo” and my original composition, “Fair Iris I Love.” Sul Ross State University is a small regional institution that is predominantly Hispanic, located in Alpine, Far West Texas. The desert mountain terrain surrounding Alpine is very motivating for musical composition. I was director of choral activities and professor of voice at SRSU from 2005-2018 and appointed composer-in-residence in the fall of 2010.
The next work is of the SRSU Choir performing Pilkington’s “Rest, Sweet Nymphs,” followed by “Solidarity,” on original work with music and poem by me. Then you will see the SRSU Choir performing Illuxit Nobis Hodie by Albert Alcaraz (b. 1978).
The final two original works are “In the Lord You Are Light,” SAB, sung in worship by the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church-Omaha, Mark Kurtz, conductor. Finally, there is a video the Star City Chorus of Lincoln, NE, conducted by Dr. Colt Ballou, performing my original “Always My Friend” with text by Larry Ebmeier, noted gay novelist and my partner of nearly 30 years. This is available on the Choral Secular page.
"Duermete, Niño lindo"
arranged by Donald Callen Freed
Setting of New Mexico carol, performed by Concert Choir, Sul Ross State University
Donald Callen Freed, conductor, ca. December, 2016
*Purchase HERE*
"Rest Sweet Nymphs"
The English Renaissance provided a number of lute-songs which were also transcribed, often by the composer, into part-songs. “Rest, Sweet Nymphs” is one such piece by Francis Pilkington (1565-1638), who lived during the Elizabethan era and during the time of Shakespeare. Also a singer and church musician, he wrote mainly secular pieces, of which this is one of the most famous.
"Fair Iris I Love"
composed by Donald Callen Freed
A contemporary madrigal
performed by Concert Choir, Sul Ross State University,
Donald Callen Freed, conductor, ca. May, 2016.
*Purchase HERE*
"Solidarity"
Based on a poem by the composer, written upon viewing the marble sculpture Solidarity by Georges Minne (1866-1941), in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Just as music is “an art both temporal and fleeting,” we must ground ourselves on the rocking ocean of music, weathering the storm until we provide our own solid ground in the next millennium.
*Purchase HERE*
"Illuxit Nobis Hodie"
This Christmas piece contrasts a chant-based refrain in Latin with a largely homophonic section in English. Rich harmonies abound, as does subtle use of dissonance. Albert Alcaraz (b. 1978) is a Spanish-French singer, composer and conductor.
"In The Lord You Are Light"
“In the Lord You Are Light,” SAB anthem for Transfiguration, Epiphany, or General use. Sung by the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church, Omaha, February 27, 2022. Mark Kurtz, Music Director.
*Purchase HERE*
"Always My Friend"
Performed by Star City Chorus "Love for All" March 24, 2023 Vine Congregational United Church of Christ, Lincoln, NE
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