Three Motets

1. Gloria
2. Alleluia, Amen
3. Cantate Domino

Composer's Note

By using, in the first and third motets, familiar Latin phrases together with the longer English texts, I hoped to combine the comprehensibility of English with the beautiful sounds and ancient resonances of Latin. I have found that this is particularly effective in the “Gloria.”

The middle piece, “Alleluia, Amen,” was composed for the memorial service of my teacher, mentor and dear friend, Harold Schmidt, who for many years directed the choral music at Stanford University. Harold sent me to Harvard to study with his mentor, Randall Thompson, whose music he loved. Those who know Thompson’s “Alleluia” will note one or two passages reminiscent of this beautiful and famous work. These are intended as homage and marks of gratitude to both of my choral masters.

Press

“Kirke Mechem’s “Alleluia, Amen,” from Three Motets, Op 57 No 2 was a hauntingly beautiful and contemplative setting of these words…. the choir sang it with great feeling, which allowed its beauty to shine through.
— The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper