the breath of life - Dan Forrest - Premiere Performance

Live recording of the world premiere performance of Dan Forrest's the breath of life, by Bel Canto Company, Welborn Young conducting, October 14, 2019, with the composer at the piano.
Texts and more details below.
0:01 1. et Deus inspiravit... (and God breathed...)
10:23 2. first breath last breath
19:16 3. the silent kiss
26:04 4. epilogue: time is
the breath of life is Dan Forrest's evocative reflection on the beauty and joy of new life juxtaposed with the pain of loss. Using choir, strings, piano, solo cello, percussion, organ, and electronics, Forrest creates a rich and poignant soundscape intertwining with profound and compelling texts from Scripture as well as classic and modern poetry. The emotional arc of the music beautifully mirrors that of life, from the miracle of birth to the bereavement of death, and the love that makes life rich and meaningful.
Vocal score and full score for purchase, and instrumental scores/parts for rent, available early summer 2020 from The Music of Dan Forrest (distributed by Beckenhorst Press). danforrest.com/...
Audio recording available for purchase on iTunes, or for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, et al.
/ the-breath-of-life-live
open.spotify.c...
the breath of life
1. et Deus inspiravit… (and God breathed…) (from Genesis 2:7, Vulgate)
Et Deus inspiravit in faciem eius spiraculum vitae;
et factus est homo in animam viventem.
(and God breathed into him the breath of life;
and man became a living soul.)
2. first breath last breath (Antler, 2006)
When a baby boy is born
and the midwife
holds him up
as he takes
his first breath,
Place him over
the Mother’s face
so when the baby exhales
his first breath on Earth
the Mother breathes it.
And when the Mother dies,
her middle-aged son
the baby grew up to be -
by her side,
his head next to her head -
Follows her breathing with his breath
as it becomes shorter,
and as the dying Mother
exhales her last breath
her son inhales it.
3. the silent kiss (from A Man Young and Old, William Butler Yeats, 1928)
In the long echoing street the laughing dancers throng,
The bride is carried to the bridegroom's chamber
through torchlight and tumultuous song;
I celebrate the silent kiss that ends short life or long.
Never to have lived is best, ancient writers say;
Never to have drawn the breath of life,
never to have looked into the eye of day;
The second best's a soft goodnight and quickly turn away.
epilogue: time is (Henry Van Dyke, 1904)
Time is
Too Slow for those who Wait,
Too Swift for those who Fear,
Too Long for those who Grieve,
Too Short for those who Rejoice;
But for those who Love...
...Time is not.
Dan Forrest www.danforrest... has been described as having "an undoubted gift for writing beautiful music...that is truly magical" (NY Concert Review), with works hailed as "magnificent, cleverly constructed sound sculpture" (Classical Voice), and "superb writing...full of spine-tingling moments" (Salt Lake Tribune). In the last decade, Dan's music has become well established in the repertoire of choirs both in the U.S. and abroad, through both smaller works and his major works Requiem For the Living (2013), Jubilate Deo (2016), and LUX: The Dawn from On High (2018). Dan holds graduate degrees in composition and piano performance, and is active as a composer, educator, publisher, editor, and pianist.
Bel Canto: (It.) Beautiful Singing
www.belcantoco...
Bel Canto Company, conducted by Dr. Welborn Young is an ensemble of outstanding musicians dedicated to presenting exceptional, innovative, and engaging choral performances for all. Through music we strive to celebrate the entirety of human experience. We believe in the joy of singing and the power of live choral music to entertain, inspire, heal, build community, and express that which cannot be expressed by words or music alone.
Sharon Mulfinger Gerber sharongerbermus... is a full-time freelance cellist and devoted mother of three. She has studied, performed and taught in music festivals in France, England, Germany, Canada, and throughout the United States. In addition to performing, Sharon is an accomplished writer, arranger, and recording artist. She has produced four CD's featuring her original compositions and arrangements for cello and piano including her "Celloasis" project, and has collaborated with artists including Imogen Heap, Ryan O'Neal, and Rodrigo Rodriguez.

[@RietCronin]

Dan… thank you zo much…. I listened to jubilare deo when I was so depressed and o couldn’t see the light of day…. I kept listening to it and found joy and hope and a reason to hold on …. My mom had tickets to one of your concerts in Belgium and for a long time I cried tears of joy …… thank you for the most precious gift man can have …. To Feel and to take every note every chord and every man that is in that choir upon me and just listen. Because this is healing in every sense of the word thank you

[@toddwood9440]

Dan, I listened to this today. Here we are in December 2020. Too many deaths. Heartache over the loss of last kisses. So many struggling for breath on this day. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers. Lord, thank you for the breath of life that is so easily taken for granted. And thank you for Love who brings unending life in death. Love wins. Our King, the Creator of our breath, shall triumph.

[@sh1395]

To the choir and the musicians....thank you for the power music...and through you....the Holy spirit has ministered to me.... Watching my mom pass before my eyes. The power of music to cleanse...to restore a broken soul...to heal a permanently broken heart.... Please read this to the choir and to the musicians. Your excellence in music... Music ministry...to those in the world like me. I'm losing my mom. I'm Losing my heart. I've collapsed on my knees. In tears..this music has lifted me up. The Holy Spirit has surrounded me with the power to stand. Your music has empowered me to cleanse my broken soul. I can not humbly say enough.... Except Thank you. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your talent. There is a broken world put there. And you have just healed one of 6 billion.... The peace if Christ be with you all as he is with me now. Thank you A humble Thank You. From Kentucky. Somewhere. Thank you

[@beegee4791]

So beautiful. I hope you’re doing better now sir. Stay blessed.

[@toddwood9440]

Brokenness. Words. Prayers. Soaring on the wings of melody. May the peace of Christ continue to fill your heart in 2020, Scott.

[@leasamfordcommunitycentre226]

was an absolute privilege to sing this with the Qld choir.. My favourite!

[@susanflakes6968]

Early this morning when revelation came from the mouth of the LORD and I rejoiced to be comforted I was in the Will of the LORD..line upon line, precept upon precept...just before I drifted off to sleep again, I saw Marty Goetz songbook "PLEASURES FOEVERMORE" Psalms 16...SOMETHING HAPPENS HERE en force..in JESUS name! Thank YOU! LORD!

[@susanflakes6968]

Music that brings Heaven down to Earth..."for such a TIME as this"...

[@riccimariagrazia6252]

Non ho parole... sei fantastico... tocchi le mie corde e le fai vibrare... è come se la tua musica raccontasse la mia vita, me stessa... ogni cosa che componi e ascolto mi manda in estasi... incredibile, mai successo prima con questa intensità... GRANE MAESTRO, GRANDE COMPOSITORE... Ho ascoltato tutto il giorno, Il tuo requiem for living: MERAVIGLIOSO. Anche questo concerto è bellissimo!!!!

[@susanflakes6968]

These composers we are so tremendously blessed to have ALIVE! with us right now, feeding and making fat..our innermost being..our souls, yes..but poignant emotions..cleansing our minds with a brush of beauty..I HEAR the LORD say...HE will keep the music going to higher and higher heights...Ephesians 3:20-21..Thank YOU! LORD! Bless them richly as well...

[@PedroFVOliveira]

Beautifull... I was in Heaven when I listed to this video.

[@charlie_charldon]

When did you get back?

[@lilliyal]

Dan - this is genuinely one of the most beautiful compositions I have ever had the privilege to listen to. Brian Dukeshier recommended it to me after performing Requiem for the Living, and this has easily been my best recommendation I've ever gotten. I hope to be able to perform this one day!

[@jenniferdunton4738]

Thank you for such a beautiful piece. My mom's health is failing and I stay strong for her. This piece moved me to tears.

[@jane6458]

My daughter’s choir just did your piece From Dawn on High tonight at Syracuse U. It blew me away. I found your video with Rivertree Singers and Friends and then found my way here. You are a master! Thank you so much.

[@aliciar.m.912]

Gracias. Esta música siempre me emociona, me conmueve hasta lo más íntimo. Parece como si el propio Dios nos abrazara... Mil gracias Dan, que Dios te bendiga y te colme de infinita felicidad. Un saludo cordial desde Madrid, España.

[@rafvanhasselt1407]

Just Wooooow, what a composition! What a performance😊

[@893rtgirl]

This is just EXQUISITE! Hope to perform this someday!

[@daijiroukon5150]

What a beautiful piece it is. and it is such a painful piece as well. tears on my cheek all the way through. thank you, Dan. thank you for such a meaningful piece.

[@susanflakes6968]

Psalms 37 in JESUS name! Thank YOU! LORD!

[@cameronausen]

Had the privilege of performing this just a couple of days ago. Very emotional piece that offers something to take away for everyone that hears it. As a new parent, movement 2 (first breath last breath) was particularly poignant. Thanks for writing this work, Dan.

[@DanForrestMusic]

Thanks Cameron!

[@shin-i-chikozima]

These people's splendid singing voices are beyond description , inspirational and comfortable to the ear and the mind , and will heal my tired mind due to the hustle and bustle of the crowds in Tokyo From Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵

[@jenniferechols1234]

Beautiful...so beautifully designed and played!

[@DanChadburnMusic]

Stunningly beautiful. Thank you.

[@emmanuellesutherland6509]

Dan Forrest you are a genius ! We discovered you and your music in Bayeux (Normandy, France) when some choirs sang your majestic "Requiem for the living" which is one of the best piece of music I have ever heard and which we played on my dad's funeral last year to say goodbye. I discover today this new masterpiece and I must thank you for giving us the thrill, and feel so much love !

[@amexyriel421]

Agreed

[@DanForrestMusic]

Thanks, Emmanuelle! I hope you get to sing this sometime when choirs sing again!

[@l.harrisonbrown4399]

Beautiful piece, beautifully sung and played. Congrats Dan and Bill.

[@angelajarman3610]

Even more beautiful thsn I remembered from the premiere!

[@gracemboumecharre4936]

Dan, be blessed for this emotionnal master piece that brings tears to my eyes. be blessed for the happiness your music gives.

[@janetjuberg8871]

I wanted to hold my breath through the whole piece

[@sheilac3969]

Simply beautiful 💛

[@susanflakes6968]

Please don't let this day be wasted..

[@susanflakes6968]

I love those "COLD MOUNTAIN" chords...Ola did that, too..I would, too..stark beauty...

[@susanflakes6968]

12:22. Ezekiel 12:22-28...NOW.. Ephesians 3:20-21 NOW....in JESUS name! Thank YOU! LORD!

[@susanflakes6968]

The TIME is NOW! In JESUS name! Thank YOU! LORD! COME ABD GET ME NOW! NO MORE DELAYS 3:27 OR DISAPPOINTMENTS...

[@alexandrecosta4016]

Ave Magnifica Vox Anima Mea in Humilitatis Oratura Per Omnes!

[@susanflakes6968]

Exodus 23. No covenants with the Underground Church...WE RECOVER ALL. 1 Samuel 30 in JESUS bane! Thank YOU! LORD!

[@nazofficial433]

Too beautiful 😍

[@beegee4791]

Didnt think I’d find another Naija individual who listens to Dan’s pieces.

[@OscarWilde1124]

The breath of life:3...The silent kiss, where words fail music speaks!!

[@susanflakes6968]

DO MOT LOOP! In JESUS name! Thank YOU! LORD!

[@susanflakes6968]

name. JESUS!

[@swillhite2002]

Dan Forrest Ultimate musical triumph of his life will be in a new EASTER piece....and Dan go to Jewruselem....spend time in the Garden outside JESUS tomb....ponder and think there....soak up the energy....walk there....notice all the beautiful olive trees that are over 2000 years old....imagine that place....imagine JESUS right there praying the night he was arrested....fly there soon...expirence it....walk there in the Garden , outside the tomb

[@swillhite2002]

If ur scared to go there alone....I will fly with u....I will talk to u there in the Garden

[@susanflakes6968]

All of you come..please 12:12...

[@susanflakes6968]

Unless we become like LITTLE CHILDREN we cannot enter the KINGDOM of GOD/HEAVEN. .little children have always seen it...I always "wondered" HE is making all things NEW..don't be LEFT BEHIND...RESURRECTION POWER.. "according to the POWER THAT WORKETH IN US...Its been there all the time.. CHRIST IN US...

[@susanflakes6968]

12:22...NO LONE RANGERS...NO LONE RANGERS...NO LONE RANGERS...Ephesians 4:16 and Genesis 50:20 fulfilled today...

[@susanflakes6968]

If you belong to GOD..If you are HIS CHILD HE will protect you..nothing can harm you..stop being afraid..fear draws..TRUST GOD. where you are weak HE IS STRONG! (See BIBLE) You are UNDER the BLOOD of JESUS...Walk it out..put your phone up...look up until the hills from whence cometh your help (see Bible) COME ON! WE don't have much time..

[@swillhite2002]

Dan get ready for the mightiest holiday on Earth EASTER 2021....so many all over the earth could not gather Easter Sunday of 2020 cuz of Covid-19....my mind goes to Peter I know he adored JESUS when Jesus was sent away to be crucified....could u write a beautiful piece for Peter called....."and Peter wept" perhaps a whole series of the 12 apostles.....

[@stewart335]

what are those interesting noises you hear after the breathing noises at the start? Sounds like a computer generated pulsing sound. Very atmospheric.

[@DanForrestMusic]

That's electronic ambience- the work includes a part for a digital instrument; the patch is freely available, and can be triggered by MIDI keyboard controller.

[@stewart335]

Dan Forrest it’s used to great effect! Beautiful work!

[@sh1395]

@@DanForrestMusic thank you for your brilliance. It has brought some of us who have lost a part of their world... Back into the light. My mom is passing away before my very eyes...and I'm 600 miles away and not allowed to be with her. Your music brought me to my knees sobbing The Holy Spirit...has lifted me up to let your music cleanse and restore my soul. I have no words. Except all humility somewhere in Kentucky to say thank you. Christ with you to heal a world through your music. Like now.

[@buahcs]

The first movement has different styling than the first three big works by Dan Forrest. I haven't really listened to much beyond the first movement, partially because the drum elements around @8:00 were slightly disturbing to hear in a more conservative composer's work. I must say, I miss the old Dan Forrest. I used to have the joy of listening to a modern composer who wasn't modern; Requiem and Lux (excepting the 4th movement) were a refuge from the various worldly elements that plague most music today.

[@beegee4791]

Just enjoy his piece of work which he poured his soul into, or find another composer who fits your extremely conservative style. He has to stay true to whatever inspiration the Holy Spirit inputs in him, and all his work are beyond phenomenal. His evolution is magnificent, and we his contemporary listeners/fans approve whole-heartedly.

[@myfavoritemusicyt]

Is there a reason the title is all lowercase?

[@DanForrestMusic]

The nature of human breath - the breath of life in all of us - is fleeting and ephemeral, and all lower case seemed to help portray that better, visually.

[@myfavoritemusicyt]

@@DanForrestMusic Thank you for the Response!

[@susanflakes6968]

Call the Fire Dept...get Erick to..I mean it...

[@iona4015]

Ecce pulchritudo.

[@susanflakes6968]

Vladi get with OLA, BARUCH, DR CARSON AND SCOTT D. BERRIER...ITS A NEW DAY...

[@susanflakes6968]

12:34...

[@susanflakes6968]

Do NOT repeat your wrong strategies that is insanity..get with Scott D. Berrier and Dr. Ben Carson WORK TOGETHER...Get with Erick..LISTEN TO ME..DO NOT REPEAT....ALL THINGS BEING MADE NEW...HIS WAY!!! NOT your way..

[@fast.track.finance]

beautiful, but the drums do not belong in there in my opinion.

[@johnnewland2409]

Love the tune Love the vocals But fire the drummer. Sorry ...

[@DanForrestMusic]

Premieres are always the hardest performances- there's no past recording to model after or build on. And acoustics in this situation made it difficult to hear piano motion. We all wish it had held together better in that spot, but we learned the importance of placing drummer near the piano, and added a note in the score encouraging this placement, for future choirs. Always learning!

[@RafaelReStival]

Indeed. The drums sounded very experimental.

[@susanflakes6968]

12:34...