By JAKE GOODMAN
Student Reporter
The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Choir held a concert on Sunday at the Central Christian Church.
Northwestern’s Choir Concert was directed by the Director of Choral Studies, Karsten Longhurst, and provided different songs that contained a rich history.
The first song, titled “Fields of Gold”, was released by English musician, Sting, in 1993. The song was later adapted into an A Cappella version by Greg Jasperse and tells a love story about a couple with a strong commitment to not break their promise.
Next, the choir performed “Weep, O Mine Eyes,” a song composed by John Bennet in 1599. The song is meant to portray sorrow, agony and love and tells the story of someone whose happiness has been crushed.
Following was “April is in My Mistress’ Face,” which was composed by Thomas Morley. The piece uses weather terms to describe the composer’s relationship with a woman.
Proceeding Morley’s masterpiece was another Greg Jasper song titled “Voice Dance,” which celebrates the joy of the human voice and singing all together filled with a buzzy melody and harmony rhythms that capture the essence of vocal jazz.
Ashley Litke conducted the Ranger choir in a song titled “Machet Die Tore Weit” or “Make the Gates Wide.” It was written by German Composer Andreas Hammerschmidt in the 17th century and is known today as Hammerschmidt’s best motet.
The choir then sang “Hear My Prayer,” a piece composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1844. The song tells a story about a part of Mendelssohn’s life. The piece starts with a petitioner calling upon the lord to protect Mendelssohn from his enemies.
Next, the choir sang “Saul,” which was composed by Egil Hovland. He composed it in the 20th century when he was at the Glemmen Church in Fredrikstad, Norway. Hovland is one of the most performed Norwegian composers today.
“Gladsome Light” by Aleksander Kastalsky was the next song performed. The song is a text that can be sung as a hymn by giving an example of Kastalsky’s sacred writing style.
“Carpenters of God” by Vijay Singh was the next song that was performed. The song is a jazz piece with a harmonic language.
The Northwestern Choir finished the show with a piece titled “Jabula Jesu.” It is an African Zulu folk song, written by Stephen Hartfield, filled with upbeat, catchy and rich texture.
After the show was over, people met in the lobby area of Harod Hall Auditorium to talk to choir members and congratulate them on a magnificent performance.