Something a bit different, so I’ve pasted some program notes below (with the link to the original of course).
Z. Randall Stroope: Conversion of Saul
Sofia Vocalensemble, Sweden, Conductor: Bengt Ollén
Most recently, American composer Z. Randall Stroope (born 1953) has set this text in The Conversion of Saull, a work composed for eight-part unaccompanied chorus. Divided into two distinct halves, this unique setting begins with a raucous depiction of death and destruction through the highly accentuated rhythmic treatment and repeated agitation of the text, ìCaedite, vexate, ligate vinculis!î (Murder, harass, bind into chains!). A pedal tone gradually emerges in the middle of the piece, symbolizing the ìone true light.î This continuum of light brings Saul to his knees, and ìcommissionsî him to a life of ìturning hatred into loveî and bringing compassion to those around him. The work, which has quickly gained popularity with choirs around the world, was commissioned in 2004 by the Lake Highlands Chorale of Richardson Texas, directed by Lisa Cunningham.
