Category Archives: Todd's music

original compositions and arrangements

Magnificat, St Columba

Posted on 16 May 2012 by

Keeping on the theme of Marian songs this month, I thought I’d post this recording my friend Katherine and I did a few years ago of my metrical Magnificat text set to the tune of St Columba. I don’t consider … Continue reading →

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String Trio

Posted on 8 May 2012 by

Playing around a bit on my lunch hour with some software and downloading capabilities. I thought I’d serenade (briefly) visitors with a string trio prelude I wrote as something of a composition exercise about fifteen years ago. I think I … Continue reading →

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Ruth: The Path of Loyalty

Posted on 5 May 2012 by

Iowa State Commencement today marks the end of an academic year. I’ve already had to say goodbye to a number of students. And with last month’s Holy Week, Triduum, Confirmation, and First Communion squarely behind us at the parish, we … Continue reading →

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Ruth of the Dust Bowl

Posted on 29 November 2011 by

A bit of discernment ahead. If any readers would like to chime in, I’d appreciate. I’ve fielded a serious suggestion to set my next Bible musical in modern or near-modern times. Naomi and her family leave their rural homestead for … Continue reading →

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Cast and Band

Posted on 29 November 2011 by

I do miss the frenetic pace of rehearsal and production. I thought I had posted these images, but only on Facebook. Anyway, the cast group image above, the band below. Meanwhile, the current draft of Ruth: The Path of Loyalty … Continue reading →

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Raphael

Posted on 17 November 2011 by

Doesn’t the angel present a dashing figure? I had lunch with Tobit’s musical director today. I was missing rehearsal and lamenting my first free Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings in two-and-a-half months. So we commiserated over Thai food and talked … Continue reading →

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Good Over Evil: Raphael Binds the Demon

Posted on 16 November 2011 by

Raphael versus Asmodeus. Tobiah, mindful of Raphael’s instructions, took the fish’s liver and heart from the bag where he had them, and put them on the embers intended for incense. The odor of the fish repulsed the demon, and it … Continue reading →

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Some Video Coming

Posted on 14 November 2011 by

Possibly. We got a nice video recording of dress rehearsal for Tobit: The Path of Virtue Friday night. In some ways, it was the best performance of the weekend. My wife thought Sunday people seemed a little bit tired. And … Continue reading →

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“Sarah’s Burden”

Posted on 10 November 2011 by

My friend John snapped a few dozen images at rehearsal last night, including this one of the very earliest songs written, “Sarah’s Burden.” Her household’s maids deliver a shrill rebuke in the song previous to this one (Tobit 3:7-9). The … Continue reading →

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“Go In Peace”

Posted on 9 November 2011 by

After Sarah’s sorrow is lifted by Tobiah, her father, understandably, wants to keep son-in-law #8 close at hand. The young man must eventually take his leave and return to Nineveh. I wrote an extended setting of Tobit 10:7bff, and placed … Continue reading →

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Asmodeus: The Blur of Evil

Posted on 8 November 2011 by

There was discussion on how to depict the demon afflicting Sarah. We didn’t determine an actual casting role for certain until we were well into rehearsals. From Tobit 3:17: So Raphael was sent to heal … to give Sarah, the daughter … Continue reading →

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“Be Brave, My Daughter”

Posted on 4 November 2011 by

Another image from Sunday night’s rehearsal. Tobit 7:17 presented an opportunity and a challenge to set to music. The opportunity is to draw out a relationship between two important characters. From the biblical text, we know of Sarah’s devotion to her … Continue reading →

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“I can see you, son, the light of my eyes”

Posted on 3 November 2011 by

Another image from rehearsal: From late in the second act: Tobiah comes home with a cure for his father. The song sets Tobit 11:9-15. For the final refrain, three singers conclude: Tobit: I can see my son, the light of my … Continue reading →

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Marriage Prayer

Posted on 2 November 2011 by

An image from rehearsal, “Marriage Prayer.” TOBIAH: Blessed are you, God of our ancestors, blessed forever is your holy name. Let the heavens praise you, and all your creation for evermore. SARAH: The Lord our God told Adam it is not … Continue reading →

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“Seven dead husbands, two this past week”

Posted on 28 October 2011 by

My artistic director thinks a dead husband in Sarah’s bed will help things along. Read it from Tobit 3:7-9: On that very day, at Ecbatana in Media, it so happened that Raguel’s daughter Sarah also had to listen to reproaches … Continue reading →

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