If
you are a lover of choral music, then you must be acquainted with Morten
Lauridsen’s (1943) gorgeous, soulful work.
This month we are looking at modern-day composers and their work. Today,
let’s explore the moving music of this west-coast based composer.
A
recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 2007 and a long-time professor at
the USC Thornton School of Music, Lauridsen worked as a Forest Service
firefighter and lookout near Mt. St. Helens prior to his decision to study
composition at USC. When not teaching, Lauridsen spends his summers on Waldron
Island off the coast of Washington state in the San Juan Archipelago. He enjoys
a simple life there in his home that is a converted general store purchased in
1975. At that time, he brought a $50 piano with him over in a boat. It was on
this piano that he has written some of his masterpieces! Lauridsen loves the
sea and the serenity that he gets during his time on Waldron Island. It’s these
moments of quiet contemplation that provide what he needs to write the
beautiful, peaceful music that so many of his listeners enjoy.
Lauridsen
is quite diverse in his approach to composition. While some of his works are
more traditional with references to Gregorian chant or Renaissance music, other
pieces sound more contemporary and have atonal elements. He loves setting texts
to music and especially enjoys writing cycles on universal themes.
Below
you can listen to one of his more famous, traditional pieces, Lux Aeterna (1997). This piece was
written for the LA Master Chorale and Paul Salamunovich. The texts come from
different Latin sources, all referring to Light.
What
are your thoughts? Does this music move you?
