THE WALKING ON THE WATER for SATB voices "a capella" (2023)

THE WALKING ON THE WATER for SATB voices "a capella" (2023)
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This piece is an adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew 14:22-33, which recounts the story of the disciples witnessing Jesus walk on water, a feat which is impossible for any mortal human.
It was written for my final project for a graduate music theory seminar, and while it was initially presented with the generic Sibelius "ahhhh" sounds, I received positive feedback from the members of the class, as well as in my individual composition lessons.
The Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir, which is a collective of virtual singers comprised of both professionals and amateurs based in Utah, held a composition contest during the summer in search of new choral works. Even though this was my first attempt at writing for choir, I submitted it.
While I didn't win the competition, I still had the opportunity to purchase a recording from them, which came with the benefit of receiving feedback from both the singers and the artistic director throughout the recording process.
At some point, this recording will appear on the official RMCC KZbin Channel, but until then, I wanted to share this with all of you. They brought my music to life, and the recording turned out better than I could have ever imagined.
I hope you all enjoy!
"The Walking on the Water" is for sale in batches of 10 PDF licenses at swilesmusic.com/the-walking-on-the-water
‪@rockymountainchamberchoir‬

[@hugoangel173]

Just cried in the Subway. Thanks

[@justincombs7433]

The contrast between Peter’s panic chords and the beautiful soli of Christ’s “Why did you doubt” in the bass was incredibly moving.

[@sarag5843]

That whole build on "Looord if it is youuu command me to come to you" WAS INSANE! The raw emotion is incredible. The imagery of everything as well is perfect.

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

Thank you so much!!!

[@ianm.l.curless]

I heard a lot of interstellar inspiration in that part.

[@twentytwo__]

this is amazing. such intense emotions i feel, just like well known composers.. phenomenal

[@juanbitacoradelmusico5888]

I promise I will purchase this score someday, everyone needs to hear it and experience what I did. I was in despair, I was in pain, I heard this and then I really understood that God works in mysterious ways. He, the one who doubted in the lord, then realising he truly is the son of God. And then I understood: the test of faith.

[@beronicous7086]

The story and harmony of each measure is just so sensational. Truly captured the essence of the raging tempest.

[@kisstamas2828]

Thank you for writing this, having it sung and uploading it! This is truly something special, and from what i understand, you don't even normally write music for choir, and you wrote something this amazing? I am currently studying choir conducting, and this piece is in my heart and mind rent-free. I hope i can find an opportunity to teach and conduct this piece sometime.

[@backseatgamer1808]

You must write more choral works sir, this piece has moved me to tears. God bless you.

[@hallie678]

This showed up on my recommended with no warning and i just happened to be in the mood to listen. This piece moved me to tears. This is stunning.

[@wequik]

¡Magistral beautiful music!

[@paulinekennedy3281]

Great music from someone who really understands and believes the words!! Praise God for his gifts.

[@walterburela]

Oh my Dear Lord! This is absolutely beautiful and touching. I’m a conductor of a ameteur choir in Buenos Aires, and your video was not-randomly suggested by KZbin (as a believer, I don’t believe in randomness). Congratulations, this piece really moved me. I cannot find the exact words to express how I’m feeling right after listening to it for the first time. I’ll devote many more listenings to it, that’s for sure. Loved it! Greeting from this very south part of the world and that you for such deep piece of art 🙏🎵✨

[@muchospelagre142]

Stunningly beautiful and original. I adore it.

[@TrevorBushnell]

Wow. This is absolutely stunning. Absolutely crazy this is your first time writint for choir. The imagery is INCREDIBLE. The last few bars evoke so many emotions in me. Fantastic work, and im shocked this didnt win.

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

Thank you so much!!! This is literally the best thing anyone has ever said to me about my music 😁

[@Butterbrot207]

Bro I cried

[@izaakthoms]

Chills. That buildup was amazing.

[@mitchellclark4377]

5:05 is a *yummy* chord.

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

Something about a flat-9 in the bass...

[@sorryperson92]

It’s an E7b9b13/F. Very juicy.

[@saranashukla7605]

This is one of the best story telling pieces I have ever heard in my life. Even though I'm only a 17 year old choir boy 😂. I could see what was going on without opening my eyes. I just started studying harmony and this is very inspiring. Thank you.

[@dylanlabon9667]

I'm not religious in any shape or form, but you don't have to be to appreciate the beauty of this piece. I will like any music that evokes strong emotions and is compositionally effective and interesting.

[@ugurosmanov6384]

The piece is marvellous, not just because of its fascinating musical build up and peak, but also implementing the verses so beautifully that when you close your eyes you feel in His presence. Well done.

[@seraphractal]

amazing storytelling through dynamics and harmonics. congratulations!

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

Thank you!!

[@Ule289]

Thank you so much for this! I would love to sing this in my choir, for it is by far the best and most moving arrangement I have seen in a long time! Most pieces have strong and weak parts, this one is strong from the first to the last bar. I absolutely adore it!

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

I really appreciate that!!

[@rosegeauxld]

I have sung a lot of folks’ first, fifth, tenth, etc. attempt at writing for choir that’s nowhere near this good. Intuitive but fresh, incredible pacing, and an exciting presentation of a familiar bible story that I haven’t heard set.

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

Thank you very much!

[@taraburke2312]

STUNNING. I need this piece in my library!!!

[@Loganhuff2007]

This is absolutley beatiful, I love the long notes held from the sopranos to the low resplves of the basses. It never feels out of place.

[@trumpetfredrik]

Well done - both performance and composition!

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

Thank you so much!! And yeah - the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir are freaking awesome.

[@ApplepieFTW]

Wow, this is amazing, I cannot put it into words

[@reapingghoul_z7960]

this was fire. it is heresy that there isnt a way to get a pdf of this. as a bass singer, I NEED THIS!!!!

[@thomas1_126]

I'd like to hear more of your works this is amazing

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

More choir hopefully coming soon - but until then, my website has all my latest stuff! (needs to be updated with the MOST recent...)

[@Lemiesle]

Bonjour, j'ai beaucoup aimé cette oeuvre ! Où on pourrait l'acheter, s'il vous plaît ? Merci infiniment !

[@s.wilesmusic7909]

swilesmusic.com/the-walking-on-the-water You can find a link here that will take you to my "Contact" page - from there, send me an email and we will go from there! Thank you for your interest in purchasing my music!

[@ApplepieFTW]

Okay I find myself listening to this a lot! This is such a beautiful piece.

[@user-wx3kz7sw9y]

WOW!

[@drumcoverman2121]

This is incredible dude! Couldn’t be happier for you! KEEP GOING!!!!!

[@elvinas7777]

wow! incredible talent!

[@natepultorakmusic928]

O to have a choir with the resources to pull off this piece enough to do it justice! I am glad the algorithm sent me here!

[@tomreeves6160]

This sounds so amazingly will Todd

[@JamesEnsor]

Wow, this feels like early Eric Whitacre. Think "Water Night" moreso than "Sleep" or "A Boy and a Girl". I really really like this arrangement.

[@natepultorakmusic928]

I was getting Whitacre feelings with this piece too! Beautiful harmonies!

[@davidvaughan9375]

excellent work, forget whatever "grade" you may have been assigned, this is without a doubt holy music

[@oghenejaboridoghor326]

So lovely. Can i please get the copy?

[@tomreeves6160]

This is honestly one of the most beautiful choral pieces I’ve ever heard, the only thing wrong with it is that it’s not already on my Spotify playlist 😂. Seriously an absolutely stunning piece you’re so talented!!

[@alkishadjinicolaou5831]

Magic! May I ask how did you do the words?

[@ukpehmichael7420]

This is wonderful. Please how can I get the score ?. I would love my choir to try this.

[@scarbotheblacksheep9520]

This is a cool piece of music. Gotta love those VImaj7 chords, am I right?

[@danielhughes441]

Do you have any compositions that are not so Christo-centric?

[@oksanaefa113]

Це фантастично. ❤

[@willmandelbaum6087]

really cool! sensing some inspiration from arvo pärt, yes? :)

[@blakescanlen9156]

can definitely hear the deer’s cry and the woman with the alabaster box in here

[@stevenweston6563]

hrmm