The Prodigal (Recording sessions)
We are recording a Mack Wilberg/David Warner original, The Prodigal this week. This is a piece originally commissioned by the Southern Mississippi Choral Activities. It was first performed on February 12, 2015, by various singers from those areas forming a choir.
The Prodigal is a new (dare I say) avant-gard approach to a choral presentation. Traditionally biblical stories are told by soloists filling in the parts of the characters with the chorus as a support. In the Prodigal and Cloud of Witnesses, the choir transforms into the different characters and serves as the chorus.
After I initially heard the Prodigal, I purchased the songbook. Fast forward to this year when they announced we would be performing it. I was elated.
The collaboration between Mack and David has been remarkable. From the majestic, triumphant "Hymn of Praise" to the soft and comforting "Oh, Light Of Life!" the marriage of lyrics and melody is a perfect match.
Mack Wilberg has often told us as a choir about the genius of David Warner. He has said multiple times that "there is no one I know that can do what David can do." That is quite a compliment. It's obvious the feeling is mutual between them. They are collaborators but you can tell they are good friends.
The amazing thing for me is to be recording a piece by the actual creators of the piece. The sounds and execution are exactly what the composer was thinking when they wrote it. This makes this recording a very unique experience. We can hear interpretations of groups singing another person's work but to have the actual creators guide the process is really neat.
I feel honored to be a part of this project.
Recording Sessions
Recording weeks are intensive. My first experience recording with the choir was for the Easter "He Is Risen" CD which was a good preparation for the "Messiah" CD recording that followed a few weeks later.
Here is the schedule for this week's recording sessions. Beginning on September 10, 2017.
Sunday: Music and the Spoken Word rehearsal and broadcast followed by a rehearsal.
Monday: No choir events.
Tuesday: 6:45 pm in the choir loft ready to begin recording session. Ends at 10:00 pm.
Wednesday: 6:45 pm in choir loft ready to begin recording session. Ends at 10:00 pm.
Thursday: 6:45 pm in the choir loft ready to begin recording session. Ends at 100:00 pm.
Friday: Only orchestra. The choir has the night off.
Saturday: 10:00 am in the choir loft ready to begin recording. Lunch. 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm.
Sunday: Morning rehearsal and broadcast.
You can find additional information on the recording on the official choir. blog.https://mormontabernaclechoir.org/articles/recording-for-107-years.html
Friday is an unusual break as in the past we have also recorded on Friday.
I felt it was important to blog about this project as I know in the future I will look back and remember this as a highlight of my choir experience.
