Friends,
I am both pleased and proud to announce that, during a time of an unprecedented paucity of musical performances, renowned organist and composer Carson Cooman has recorded a piece that I composed for him in 2018 in memory of my mentor and former colleague, Dr. Ronald Arnatt. You can listen to this performance of Elegy on “In Paradisum” on YouTube by following this link. The release of this recording is also timed to coincide with the use of this title in the liturgical year for (virtual) church services.
Born in 1930, Dr. Arnatt had an exceptional professional career spanning both sides of the Atlantic. After receiving his music education at Trinity College, London, and Durham University in England, he emigrated to the United States.
In the United States, Dr. Arnatt held professorial or Director of Music positions at Trinity Church in Boston, Westminster Choir College in Princeton, American University, Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, the University of Missouri, and with the St. Louis Chamber Orchestra and Chorus.
He is known internationally for his choral, organ, and brass compositions, many of which are published by ECS Publishing Group. Dr. Arnatt was past President of the American Guild of Organists. His final post was Director of Music and Organist at St. John’s Church in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts.
Appropriately enough, I got the inspiration for my elegy from Dr. Arnatt’s piece In Paradisum for organ solo (ECS Publishing Group Catalog No. 5312). The musical language of Elegy on “In Paradisum” is Neo-Romantic and the mood is fittingly ethereal. This piece is appropriate for remembrance services and recitals.
Duration: ca. 6:00
The sheet music for Elegy on “In Paradisum” is available from Sheet Music Plus. Follow this link for ordering information.
