Instrumentation: SATB and piano

Duration: 3’55

Premiere: April 29, 2021 at Daniel Recital Hall in Greenville, SC

Performers: Libby Hammilton, Elizabeth Santi, Salleigh Harvey, Abby Magoola, Matthew Gavilanez, Ethan Durham, CJ Waldrop, Lauren Sarkela, and Dr. Vivian Hamilton

Program Notes: Maria is a sacred SATB choral work that draws inspiration from the painting, Enigma (2015) by Michael Cheval. The portrait represents the debate of whether human characteristics are developed from either inherited genetics, nature, or environmental influences, nurture. To accurately portray this debate, a single motive will be shifted and transformed multiple times until it blossoms to the climatic point. The single motive will symbolize nature, while the alterations of the motive will symbolize nurture. The text, a Gregorian chant praising Virgin Mary, is used to honor the well known birth and development of Jesus Christ.

Email me (williecornishjr@gmail.com) to see portions of the score.