Vivos Voco - SSAA Octavo
by Joan Szymko
SSAA - Sheet Music

SSAA choir, piano accompaniment, handbells - Advanced

SKU: SB.SBMP-615

Composed by Joan Szymko. Choral. Choral octavo only. Instrumental accompaniment/score sold separately (SBMP-615.1). Classical. Octavo. 16 pages. Santa Barbara Music Publishing #SBMP615. Published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing (SB.SBMP-615).

UPC: 964807006156.

The text consists of Virtutes, literally, "moral virtues," the name given to the short statements inscribed (primarily in Latin) on church tower bells in medieval times. Bells rang outward, chasing away the evil spirits that were believed to hover over the rooftops, and upward, as prayers to the heavens. Not only were church bells rung to ward off evil spirits, but to protect the faithful from storms, fires, human enemies and disease. VIVOS VOCO I call the living FLEO MORTUA I cry for the dying MORTUOS PLANGO I wail for the dead CONSOLO VIVA I console the living DISSIPO VENTOS I disperse the winds COMPELLO NUBILA I drive away the overcast of the sky The composer has provided great drama with handbells ringing high above the choir, as well as the piano doing its best to be imitative of bells. A very dramatic piece that is excellent for the large choir.