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Vocal Arts Ensemble Releases First Recording of Kile Smith’s striking oratorio Canticle
CINCINNATI—Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Ensemble (VAE) released its first recording led by Music Director Craig Hella Johnson conducting Kile Smith’s concert-length oratorio Canticle. The work was commissioned and premiered by the VAE in 2016 and recorded in January 2018. Along with Canticle, the new release also includes Mr. Smith’s Alleluia. Grammy® winner Blanton Alspaugh produced the recording, which is released in Super Audio CD format on the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Fanfare Cincinnati label.
Canticle draws its text from the mystical writings of Saint John of the Cross, though its appeal extends beyond any particular religious or spiritual practice. The text, ripe with imagery and symbolism, depicts a transcendent journey, which Mr. Smith captures in the vocal and instrumental score as well. “[I]t is a poem with universal appeal. Adherents of all spiritual and meditative disciplines will immediately recognize the dangers, delights, side-steps, ecstasy, and peace described in the Spiritual Canticle,” said the composer in his program notes on the work.
“His choral music takes a unique and distinctive path. His (compositional) voice is unlike any other. The music has qualities that are really grounded in choral tradition and practice, yet it feels very fresh and of its time. He’s an exquisite craftsman,” said Mr. Johnson in an interview for Cincinnati’s Movers and Makers just prior to the work’s premiere.
“His choral music takes a unique and distinctive path. His (compositional) voice is unlike any other. The music has qualities that are really grounded in choral tradition and practice, yet it feels very fresh and of its time. He’s an exquisite craftsman,” said Mr. Johnson in an interview for Cincinnati’s Movers and Makers just prior to the work’s premiere.
“Not only is Canticle a significant contribution to contemporary American choral music, its commission, premiere and recording by the VAE signifies the ensemble’s commitment to the development and presentation of modern choral chamber music,” said VAE Executive Director Steven Sunderman. The VAE regularly presents premieres and new works by both internationally-known and emerging composers.
Canticle was recorded at St. Boniface Church in Cincinnati on January 13, 14 and 15, 2018.
The recording was made possible by the following: The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund of the Greenacres Foundation; The John C. Griswold Foundation; John and Susan Tew; The Robert H. Reakirt Foundation, PNC Bank, Trustee; The William O. Purdy, Jr. Foundation Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.
Press for Canticle:
“…achingly beautiful… artfully crafted… masterfully written… a feast of textures and colors, including vocal solos, contained delicate choral sounds that blossom into rich, full-chorus swells, cello sounds that range from percussive pizzicato notes to solo and section passages with a very vocal quality…” – Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
“Without resorting to gimmicks or descriptive writing, Smith’s music allows for the text to ring clearly … His music also has an arresting beauty and delicate charm, and Smith’s melodic writing soars. … Smith’s vocal writing is eerily beautiful.” – Boston Classical Review
Kile Smith, composer
Rapidly gaining national and international acclaim, the music of Kile Smith (b. 1956) is hailed by critics, performers, and audiences for its emotional power, direct appeal, strong voice, and sheer beauty. Gramophone hailed the “sparkling beauty” of his music, calling Vespers “spectacular.” The Philadelphia Inquirer called it “ecstatically beautiful,” American Record Guide, “a major new work,” Audiophile Audition, “easily one of the best releases of the year of any type… a crime to pass up,” and Fanfare, “a magnificent achievement.” Conductor Craig Hella Johnson said, “his voice is unlike any other.”