Marilyn Biery and James Biery June 2010 News
Husband/wife composers, organists, conductors
Jim is pleased to announce his appointment as Minister of Music at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church (Presbyterian) in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. He expects to begin his duties in August. Marilyn is looking forward to some time off, then to completing some writing projects, including finishing her first collection of hymns to be published by MorningStar in 2011.
Marilyn recently completed a new set of hymn preludes entitled "An American Perspective, settings of old and new tunes for organ," featuring pieces based on AZMON, BETHOLD, BOURBON, BREAD OF LIFE, CONVERSE, INNISFREE FARM, NETTLETON and SONG OF PRAISE. It will be published by Augsburg Fortress in 2010.
Marilyn's arrangement of This Joyful Eastertide, for young voices, has been accepted by Augsburg and will be published in 2010.
Marilyn has compiled a tribute to the Bierys' teacher, Grigg Fountain, in honor of his 90th birthday, and it will be published by The Diapason in July 2010.
Marilyn has written a new text, "A little child shall lead them," to BETHOLD, a tune by Mark Sedio. Marilyn has arranged the text and tune into an anthem for children's voices; Augsburg Fortress has published the arrangement and it is now available. The hymn-anthem was premiered at the national conference of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, at a Hymn Festival held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul on July 14, 2009.
The Bierys were featured in an article in the June 2008 issue of The Diapason.
Jim's recent commissions
The Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Virginia, commissioned an anthem for the Feast of Christ the King, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their Cathedral Choir. The anthem, for SATB Choir, organ and trumpet, was first performed at a special concert at the Cathedral on November 20, 2009. Dr. Richard Gibala is Director of Music at the Cathedral.
Glenview Community Church in Glenview, Illinois, commissioned a piece for organ and handbells in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the installation of their Buzard organ. The organist and director of instrumental music at the church is Gary Wendt. The new piece, a festive setting of "When in our music God is glorified" was premiered on November 15, 2009, in Glenview.
The 2009 Sewanee Church Music Conference, Dr. Robert Delcamp, Director, commissioned an organ hymn partita. The piece is based on the tune MERTON and was premiered by organist Janette Fishell at the July conference at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. It has been published by MorningStar. VIEW
Three parishes in the Diocese of Orlando, Florida, commissioned a new piece for the Year of St. Paul. The piece is based on texts from Paul's letters to the Corinthians and Ephesians, and is scored for cantor, congregation, organ, and optional choir, brass and woodwinds. The premiere was held on January 25, 2009, at the Church of St. Paul, Leesburg, FL. Click here to see a YouTube video of the premiere, and click here to visit the publisher's website.
Stephen Rosenberg of St. Paul, Minnesota, commissioned an organ piece in celebration of 40 years as organist at two St. Paul churches. The piece was completed in March and is based on two hymn tunes by C. H. H. Parry, REPTON and LAUDATE DOMINUM. It also makes use of crytographic motives created from the names of Steve's faithful dogs, Gus and Buddy. The piece has been published (with two more pieces, settings of KINGSFOLD and KING'S LYNN) and is available from MorningStar. VIEW LISTEN
White Memorial Presbyterian Church of Raleigh, North Carolina, where Karl Zinsmeister is Director of Music, commissioned a new piece in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the church's volunteer brass choir. "Sinfonia Festiva," scored for 6-part brass choir, organ, and optional timpani, quotes the hymntune "Ich halte treulich still" attributed to J. S. Bach. The piece was premiered on Sunday, October 26, 2008.
St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta, Georgia commissioned new settings of the traditional Catholic Benediction hymns "O Salutaris" and "Tantum Ergo." Alvin Blount is Director of Music at St. Mary's, and this is his third commission from Jim. The two previously commissioned works are Ave Maria and Ubi Caritas, both published by MorningStar. The new motets were first sung on November 19, 2008, and are now available from MorningStar. VIEW LISTEN
St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN, commissioned a new Easter anthem for choir, organ and solo trumpet. The anthem was premiered at the parish Easter Vigil in April. Mary Joy Rieder is Director of Music at St. Mary's.
Saint Paul organist Lawrence Lawyer commissioned a new organ piece: Flourish and Toccata on "Vexilla Regis Prodeunt" was completed in December 2007. Mr. Lawyer premiered the work on a recital program at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, March 9, 2008. This piece, along with preludes on ROCKINGHAM and PASSION CHORALE, are available from MorningStar (see below).
St. William Church, Fridley, Minnesota, commissioned an anthem for Ascension. This new choral piece, "Sing Praises to God" was premiered at both St. William's and the Cathedral of St. Paul on May 4, 2008. Michael Silhavy directs the music at St. William. The anthem has been published by MorningStar (see below).
St. Paul's Methodist Church in Omaha commissioned a choral setting of Psalm 121 in honor of the late Roger B. Arnold, former organist at St. Paul's and Jim's organ teacher. The anthem, "My Help Cometh From the Lord," was premiered on All Saints Sunday 2006 in Omaha. Click here to view Jim's YouTube video interpretation of the anthem.
Marilyn's New Publications
A Little Child Shall Lead Them (Augsburg Fortress 9780806695914, 2009) LISTEN
Unison voices, organ, violin or oboe, and optional congregation
Composed for and premiered at the Cathedral of Saint Paul Hymn Festival for the 2009 Hymn Society Conference, Marilyn has written a new text based on Isaiah 11:6-9 for Mark Sedio's tune BETHOLD and created a delightful new arrangement featuring children's voices.
Marilyn's collection of organ preludes for Christmas, Cold December Flies Away, was published by Augsburg-Fortress in May 2008. Her organ collection, A British Perspective: Melodies and Hymn Tunes for Organ (settings of eight hymn tunes), is now available from Augsburg.
Marilyn has written an article on the music of Harold Stover, which will be published by The Diapason in 2010.
Her article on the "Life and Legacy of Roy Johnson" appeared in The American Organist in June 2008. READ
Jim's New Publications
O Savior, Blessed Savior (Adoro te devote) (MorningStar MSM-50-5115, 2010) VIEW LISTEN
SATB Choir, unaccompanied or with optional Handbells and/or C Instrument
A new arrangement of the beloved chant melody Adoro te devote commissioned by St. Anne Catholic Church, Houston, Texas, for their 2007 Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe. May be sung using the original Latin text or the wonderful English text by Godfrey Thring.
Behold, a New Creation (MorningStar MSM-80-580, 2010) VIEW LISTEN
Cantor, Congregation, and Organ, with opt. SAB Choir, 2 woodwinds, or Brass Quartet and Timpani
A festive processional piece commissioned by three parishes in Florida in celebration of the Year of St. Paul, 2008-2009, using texts from 2 Cor. 5:17 and Eph. 1:3-10.
Contemplations of Four English Hymn Tunes (MorningStar MSM-10-621, 2010) VIEW LISTEN
For solo organ
Settings of REPTON, LAUDATE DOMINUM (both commissioned by Stephen Rosenberg of St. Paul, MN), KINGSFOLD, and KING'S LYNN.
Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding (MorningStar MSM-10-637, 2009) VIEW LISTEN
For solo organ
A fanfare, variations, and toccata on the Advent hymntune MERTON. Commissioned by and first performed at the 2009 Sewanee Church Music Conference at the University of the South.
Two Motets for Worship (MorningStar MSM-50-2518, 2010) VIEW LISTEN
SATB unaccompanied
These two short motets are settings of the traditional Catholic benediction hymns "O Salutaris" and "Tantum ergo" and were commissioned by St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta, Georgia. For this edition, alternate English texts were provided: "O rise and sing" and "Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing."
An Old Irish Blessing (MorningStar MSM-50-8913, 2009) VIEW LISTEN
Unison voices and piano (or keyboard)
A simple and lovely setting of the traditional Irish blessing, "May the road rise to meet you..." Suitable for choirs of all ages. An organ accompaniment is available in Jim's collection of vocal solos, "The Peace of Christ."
O Sanctissima: A Carol Trio (Augsburg Fortress 9780800663902, 2009)
Settings of Still, Still, Still, What Is This Lovely Fragrance, and O Sanctissima. The extended setting of O Sanctissima, concluding with a brilliant toccata, was commissioned by Margaret Kemper, former national president of the American Guild of Organists.
Sing Praises to God (MorningStar MSM-50-2603, 2009) VIEW LISTEN (performance by the Cathedral of St. Paul Choir with Martin Hodel, trumpet, and Marilyn Biery, organ)
SATB, Trumpet, and Organ
A festive anthem for Ascension or general use. Commissioned by Michael Silhavy for the Church of St. William in Fridley, Minnesota.
Wondrous Cross: Three Organ Pieces for Lent (MorningStar MSM-10-429, 2009) VIEW LISTEN
Settings of ROCKINGHAM (for Roger Burg), PASSION CHORALE (for Michael Quimby), and VEXILLA REGIS PRODEUNT (commissioned by Lawrence Lawyer in honor of Nancy Lancaster)
The Peace of Christ: Three Vocal Solos for Weddings and General Use (MorningStar MSM-40-850, 2008) VIEW
Here are three practical and attractive solos for medium voice: O God of Love, An Old Irish Blessing ("May the road rise up to meet you..."), and The Peace of Christ. Separate accompaniments for piano and organ are provided.
Festive Hymn Settings for Congregational Singing, Set 3: Christmas (MorningStar MSM-20-752, 2008) VIEW
Settings of ADESTE FIDELES, MENDELSSOHN, REGENT SQUARE, ST. LOUIS, and STILLE NACHT for brass quartet, organ, optional soprano descant and opt. tuba. Also available for on-demand download on the MorningStar website.
Surge inluminare (MorningStar MSM-50-9118, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
SATB and harp (or piano)
English text by Marilyn Biery, Latin text by Maryann Corbett
O Come, Divine Messiah (MorningStar MSM-50-6308, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
2-part treble voices, oboe, harp (or keyboard) and opt. handbells
The Frozen Earth (MorningStar MSM-50-5302, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
SATB and Organ
Text by Marilyn Biery
Love Is Come Again (MorningStar MSM-50-6205, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
Unison or Two-part Treble Voice and Keyboard (Optional treble instrument)
A setting of NOEL NOUVELET
When Morning Gilds the Skies (MorningStar MSM-60-7022, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
Concertato arrangement of the hymntune LAUDES DOMINI for SATB Choir, Brass quartet, opt. timpani, and organ
Other recent projects and publications
Both Marilyn and Jim have completed introductions and free accompaniments for the 26 volume series being published by Augsburg-Fortress as a resource for the new Lutheran hymnal. They also composed descants for another Augsburg project, a volume of descants for the new hymnal.
Husband/wife composers, organists, conductors
Jim is pleased to announce his appointment as Minister of Music at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church (Presbyterian) in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. He expects to begin his duties in August. Marilyn is looking forward to some time off, then to completing some writing projects, including finishing her first collection of hymns to be published by MorningStar in 2011.
Marilyn recently completed a new set of hymn preludes entitled "An American Perspective, settings of old and new tunes for organ," featuring pieces based on AZMON, BETHOLD, BOURBON, BREAD OF LIFE, CONVERSE, INNISFREE FARM, NETTLETON and SONG OF PRAISE. It will be published by Augsburg Fortress in 2010.
Marilyn's arrangement of This Joyful Eastertide, for young voices, has been accepted by Augsburg and will be published in 2010.
Marilyn has compiled a tribute to the Bierys' teacher, Grigg Fountain, in honor of his 90th birthday, and it will be published by The Diapason in July 2010.
Marilyn has written a new text, "A little child shall lead them," to BETHOLD, a tune by Mark Sedio. Marilyn has arranged the text and tune into an anthem for children's voices; Augsburg Fortress has published the arrangement and it is now available. The hymn-anthem was premiered at the national conference of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, at a Hymn Festival held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul on July 14, 2009.
The Bierys were featured in an article in the June 2008 issue of The Diapason.
Jim's recent commissions
The Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Virginia, commissioned an anthem for the Feast of Christ the King, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their Cathedral Choir. The anthem, for SATB Choir, organ and trumpet, was first performed at a special concert at the Cathedral on November 20, 2009. Dr. Richard Gibala is Director of Music at the Cathedral.
Glenview Community Church in Glenview, Illinois, commissioned a piece for organ and handbells in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the installation of their Buzard organ. The organist and director of instrumental music at the church is Gary Wendt. The new piece, a festive setting of "When in our music God is glorified" was premiered on November 15, 2009, in Glenview.
The 2009 Sewanee Church Music Conference, Dr. Robert Delcamp, Director, commissioned an organ hymn partita. The piece is based on the tune MERTON and was premiered by organist Janette Fishell at the July conference at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. It has been published by MorningStar. VIEW
Three parishes in the Diocese of Orlando, Florida, commissioned a new piece for the Year of St. Paul. The piece is based on texts from Paul's letters to the Corinthians and Ephesians, and is scored for cantor, congregation, organ, and optional choir, brass and woodwinds. The premiere was held on January 25, 2009, at the Church of St. Paul, Leesburg, FL. Click here to see a YouTube video of the premiere, and click here to visit the publisher's website.
Stephen Rosenberg of St. Paul, Minnesota, commissioned an organ piece in celebration of 40 years as organist at two St. Paul churches. The piece was completed in March and is based on two hymn tunes by C. H. H. Parry, REPTON and LAUDATE DOMINUM. It also makes use of crytographic motives created from the names of Steve's faithful dogs, Gus and Buddy. The piece has been published (with two more pieces, settings of KINGSFOLD and KING'S LYNN) and is available from MorningStar. VIEW LISTEN
White Memorial Presbyterian Church of Raleigh, North Carolina, where Karl Zinsmeister is Director of Music, commissioned a new piece in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the church's volunteer brass choir. "Sinfonia Festiva," scored for 6-part brass choir, organ, and optional timpani, quotes the hymntune "Ich halte treulich still" attributed to J. S. Bach. The piece was premiered on Sunday, October 26, 2008.
St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta, Georgia commissioned new settings of the traditional Catholic Benediction hymns "O Salutaris" and "Tantum Ergo." Alvin Blount is Director of Music at St. Mary's, and this is his third commission from Jim. The two previously commissioned works are Ave Maria and Ubi Caritas, both published by MorningStar. The new motets were first sung on November 19, 2008, and are now available from MorningStar. VIEW LISTEN
St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN, commissioned a new Easter anthem for choir, organ and solo trumpet. The anthem was premiered at the parish Easter Vigil in April. Mary Joy Rieder is Director of Music at St. Mary's.
Saint Paul organist Lawrence Lawyer commissioned a new organ piece: Flourish and Toccata on "Vexilla Regis Prodeunt" was completed in December 2007. Mr. Lawyer premiered the work on a recital program at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, March 9, 2008. This piece, along with preludes on ROCKINGHAM and PASSION CHORALE, are available from MorningStar (see below).
St. William Church, Fridley, Minnesota, commissioned an anthem for Ascension. This new choral piece, "Sing Praises to God" was premiered at both St. William's and the Cathedral of St. Paul on May 4, 2008. Michael Silhavy directs the music at St. William. The anthem has been published by MorningStar (see below).
St. Paul's Methodist Church in Omaha commissioned a choral setting of Psalm 121 in honor of the late Roger B. Arnold, former organist at St. Paul's and Jim's organ teacher. The anthem, "My Help Cometh From the Lord," was premiered on All Saints Sunday 2006 in Omaha. Click here to view Jim's YouTube video interpretation of the anthem.
Marilyn's New Publications
A Little Child Shall Lead Them (Augsburg Fortress 9780806695914, 2009) LISTEN
Unison voices, organ, violin or oboe, and optional congregation
Composed for and premiered at the Cathedral of Saint Paul Hymn Festival for the 2009 Hymn Society Conference, Marilyn has written a new text based on Isaiah 11:6-9 for Mark Sedio's tune BETHOLD and created a delightful new arrangement featuring children's voices.
Marilyn's collection of organ preludes for Christmas, Cold December Flies Away, was published by Augsburg-Fortress in May 2008. Her organ collection, A British Perspective: Melodies and Hymn Tunes for Organ (settings of eight hymn tunes), is now available from Augsburg.
Marilyn has written an article on the music of Harold Stover, which will be published by The Diapason in 2010.
Her article on the "Life and Legacy of Roy Johnson" appeared in The American Organist in June 2008. READ
Jim's New Publications
O Savior, Blessed Savior (Adoro te devote) (MorningStar MSM-50-5115, 2010) VIEW LISTEN
SATB Choir, unaccompanied or with optional Handbells and/or C Instrument
A new arrangement of the beloved chant melody Adoro te devote commissioned by St. Anne Catholic Church, Houston, Texas, for their 2007 Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe. May be sung using the original Latin text or the wonderful English text by Godfrey Thring.
Behold, a New Creation (MorningStar MSM-80-580, 2010) VIEW LISTEN
Cantor, Congregation, and Organ, with opt. SAB Choir, 2 woodwinds, or Brass Quartet and Timpani
A festive processional piece commissioned by three parishes in Florida in celebration of the Year of St. Paul, 2008-2009, using texts from 2 Cor. 5:17 and Eph. 1:3-10.
Contemplations of Four English Hymn Tunes (MorningStar MSM-10-621, 2010) VIEW LISTEN
For solo organ
Settings of REPTON, LAUDATE DOMINUM (both commissioned by Stephen Rosenberg of St. Paul, MN), KINGSFOLD, and KING'S LYNN.
Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding (MorningStar MSM-10-637, 2009) VIEW LISTEN
For solo organ
A fanfare, variations, and toccata on the Advent hymntune MERTON. Commissioned by and first performed at the 2009 Sewanee Church Music Conference at the University of the South.
Two Motets for Worship (MorningStar MSM-50-2518, 2010) VIEW LISTEN
SATB unaccompanied
These two short motets are settings of the traditional Catholic benediction hymns "O Salutaris" and "Tantum ergo" and were commissioned by St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta, Georgia. For this edition, alternate English texts were provided: "O rise and sing" and "Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing."
An Old Irish Blessing (MorningStar MSM-50-8913, 2009) VIEW LISTEN
Unison voices and piano (or keyboard)
A simple and lovely setting of the traditional Irish blessing, "May the road rise to meet you..." Suitable for choirs of all ages. An organ accompaniment is available in Jim's collection of vocal solos, "The Peace of Christ."
O Sanctissima: A Carol Trio (Augsburg Fortress 9780800663902, 2009)
Settings of Still, Still, Still, What Is This Lovely Fragrance, and O Sanctissima. The extended setting of O Sanctissima, concluding with a brilliant toccata, was commissioned by Margaret Kemper, former national president of the American Guild of Organists.
Sing Praises to God (MorningStar MSM-50-2603, 2009) VIEW LISTEN (performance by the Cathedral of St. Paul Choir with Martin Hodel, trumpet, and Marilyn Biery, organ)
SATB, Trumpet, and Organ
A festive anthem for Ascension or general use. Commissioned by Michael Silhavy for the Church of St. William in Fridley, Minnesota.
Wondrous Cross: Three Organ Pieces for Lent (MorningStar MSM-10-429, 2009) VIEW LISTEN
Settings of ROCKINGHAM (for Roger Burg), PASSION CHORALE (for Michael Quimby), and VEXILLA REGIS PRODEUNT (commissioned by Lawrence Lawyer in honor of Nancy Lancaster)
The Peace of Christ: Three Vocal Solos for Weddings and General Use (MorningStar MSM-40-850, 2008) VIEW
Here are three practical and attractive solos for medium voice: O God of Love, An Old Irish Blessing ("May the road rise up to meet you..."), and The Peace of Christ. Separate accompaniments for piano and organ are provided.
Festive Hymn Settings for Congregational Singing, Set 3: Christmas (MorningStar MSM-20-752, 2008) VIEW
Settings of ADESTE FIDELES, MENDELSSOHN, REGENT SQUARE, ST. LOUIS, and STILLE NACHT for brass quartet, organ, optional soprano descant and opt. tuba. Also available for on-demand download on the MorningStar website.
Surge inluminare (MorningStar MSM-50-9118, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
SATB and harp (or piano)
English text by Marilyn Biery, Latin text by Maryann Corbett
O Come, Divine Messiah (MorningStar MSM-50-6308, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
2-part treble voices, oboe, harp (or keyboard) and opt. handbells
The Frozen Earth (MorningStar MSM-50-5302, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
SATB and Organ
Text by Marilyn Biery
Love Is Come Again (MorningStar MSM-50-6205, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
Unison or Two-part Treble Voice and Keyboard (Optional treble instrument)
A setting of NOEL NOUVELET
When Morning Gilds the Skies (MorningStar MSM-60-7022, 2008) VIEW LISTEN
Concertato arrangement of the hymntune LAUDES DOMINI for SATB Choir, Brass quartet, opt. timpani, and organ
Other recent projects and publications
Both Marilyn and Jim have completed introductions and free accompaniments for the 26 volume series being published by Augsburg-Fortress as a resource for the new Lutheran hymnal. They also composed descants for another Augsburg project, a volume of descants for the new hymnal.
