Sanctum Mvmt. 4 “Lux aeterna”

Category:   SSAA CHOIRS
Composer:   Sarah Quartel
Arranger:   NA
Publisher:   Oxford University Press
Edition:   10615979
Voicing:   SSAA
Setting:   Lux aeterna

Reviewer:   

Katelyn Sawatzke
Stillwater Area High School
R&R Chair SSAA Choirs
sawatzkek@stillwaterschools.org

Sarah Quartel is a composer I’ve admired for quite some time. I was first introduced to her work when I heard the Minnesota All-State Treble Choir sing movements III and IV of her multi-movement work, “Snow Angel”, under the direction of Janet Galvan. Quartel published Sanctum, a short, four-movement Requiem, in 2016, and it’s perfect for advanced treble choirs who want to be challenged with intimate, a cappella repertoire. My favorite stand-alone movement is the Lux Aeterna. It is primarily homophonic and rhythmically accessible, making it a fabulous piece to sight-read on solfege. However, the lush harmonies will test your singers’ ability to sing in tune. This is a fabulous piece for an auditioned chamber ensemble to work on balance, intonation, and sensitive phrase shaping in triple meter.

Link:  https://beta.jwpepper.com/sanctum-10615979-424998/p

Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyYWzp1LnmM