Category Archives: Art Music

Tenebrae: The Shadow of Desertion

Posted on February 13, 2016 by Greg Scheer

The 2nd movement of my Maundy Thursday piece for cellos. Since the text  begins with “when they had sung the hymn,” I decided to give this movement a hymn-like structure–very simple rhythms with a singable melody. Of course, the harmonies … Continue reading →

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Tenebrae: The Shadow of Betrayal

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Greg Scheer

One of the most powerful services of the church year is the Tenebrae service on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week. It is a sequence of solemn readings from the last scenes of Jesus’ life as he descends toward the cross. One … Continue reading →

Posted in Art Music, Church, FAWM 2016, Finale demo | 2 Comments

Vivaldi’s Domine Deus, Agnus Dei

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Greg Scheer

The Church of the Servant choir is singing movements of Vivaldi’s Gloria throughout the year. Recently we sang “Dominus Deus, Agnus Dei” (“Lord God, Lamb of God…that takes away the sins of the world have mercy upon us”) during the confession. Many … Continue reading →

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All Hallow’s Eve, Sine Nomine Quartet

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Greg Scheer

Last year I wrote a song cycle called One Long Year. This year, I’ve been trying to figure out what I’m going to do with it, if anything. This month, I’m recording my setting of Psalm 149 for a new Cardiphonia … Continue reading →

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Deep Calls to Deep

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Greg Scheer

After Easter, I often feel the need to shun my to do list, taking a little time for renewal and creation. (Hence the term, “recreation.”) This Eastertide it took the form of an idea for bass that came to me last week. … Continue reading →

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Minimoodles

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Greg Scheer

Minimoodles–for minimalist doodles–is a quickly conceived name for a quickly created recording of layered guitar riffs. Nothing earth shattering. On the other hand, it led to a good discussion of minimalism with my sons and a sampling of the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Art Music, Demos | 2 Comments

91 Days, November

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Greg Scheer

After the crisp air of September and the melancholy of October, 91 Days ends with the hopeful resolve of November: PDF, MP3.

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91 Days, October

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Greg Scheer

Whereas the first movement of 91 Days is a lively tango, the second movement slows to a bi-tonal ballad. (Bi-tonal, for those of you who didn’t study music theory, is when two different “keys” are sounding simultaneously. A famous example … Continue reading →

Posted in Art Music | 2 Comments

91 Days, September

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Greg Scheer

In my college and grad school days, I focused on composing modern classical music–otherwise known as art music, concert music, or “scary monster music.” Actually, I haven’t changed all that much. I continue to enjoy a biting harmony or complex … Continue reading →

Posted in Art Music | 5 Comments

Everlasting to Everlasting premiere

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Greg Scheer

On Saturday night, an encouraging number of people showed up to play, hear and sing my new cantata, Everlasting to Everlasting. Thanks to everyone who came out, but especially to The Choral Scholars, who sounded brilliant as always, and the hastily … Continue reading →

Posted in Art Music, Church, Congregational Songs, Hallel Psalms, Live, Psalms | 4 Comments