Evensong Suite was commissioned by St. Bede's Episcopal Church in Mar Vista CA., as a modal and very melodic set of six short pieces, each two to three minutes in length. Although it was composed for an Anglican Evensong service, during which each movement precedes or follows a corresponding prayer or reading, the music is a secular concert work suitable for any program. Each movement stands on its own and can be performed in any combination.

The Prelude opens the Suite in a pastoral mood, with a rising motive that reflects the Ascensiontide occasion of the piece. The Phos Hilaron evokes a slow and quiet glow, mirroring the beauty of the last vesper light of a setting sun. The Magnificat, traditionally the dramatic center of the Evensong service, uses strong opposing motives which refer to the mighty being cast down from their thrones and the meek being lifted up. Nunc Dimittis is a pensive lullaby which blossoms into contentment and inner light.

The Ascendit Deus was written to encourage generous donations during the Offertory for the Sunday after the Ascension (!), and in celebration of the Savior rising up, so do the lines of the music! Finally, the Postlude begins with a contemplative, noble chorale and makes references to motives and moods from the earlier Prelude and Magnificat, bringing the Suite to an emotional conclusion.

DOWNLOAD the password-protected perusal score and audio files
for EVENSONG SUITE (email Alex to obtain the access code):

Enjoy this video that artist Simon Kenevan made
of his process creating a pastel study for his painting 'Afternoon Sun':