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Sonata da Chiesa
Adolphus Hailstork

ADOLPHUS HAILSTORK

Born April 17, 1941 in Rochester, New York.

Sonata da Chiesa for String Orchestra (about 19’)

I. Exaltation
II. Great Mystery (O Magnum Mysterium)
III. Adoration
IV. Jubilation
V. Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
VI. Grant Us Thy Peace (Dona Nobis Pacem)
VII. Exaltation

First performance by the Wichita Symphony.

Adolphus Hailstork is a leading composer of our time, and his music often reflects his African-American heritage. This particular work, the Sonata da Chiesa, or Church Sonata, came to our attention during a post-concert conversation with Ron Spigelman, conductor of our recent February Pops concert. As often happens, the conversation turned to works of music, and Ron commented that he had performed this work by Hailstork with success at a summer music festival.

From Hailstork's website, we learn that he received his doctorate in music composition from Michigan State University. Previous studies were at Howard University, the Manhattan School of Music, and the American Institute at Fontainebleau, where he studied with Nadia Boulanger. His many orchestral works have been performed by major American orchestras like Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia by conductors such as James de Priest, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel, and Daniel Barenboim. He taught at Old Dominion University for many years as a Professor of Music and Eminent Scholar.

A sonata da chiesa is a term for instrumental music that emerged during the 17th century and was used during church services. Its multi-movement design is considered one of the forerunners of the 18th-century symphony.

Hailstork composed his Sonata da Chiesa on commission from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia. Under the direction of Hazel K. Cheilek, the school's string orchestra premiered the work in 1992.

The titles of the movements reflect the mood of the music.

Hailstork writes that he has always had a fascination with cathedrals. This work was inspired by his memories of the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York, where he served as a boy chorister. You may take a virtual tour of this stunning cathedral on its website. The music invites you, the listener, to find your own private, sacred space as you contemplate the feelings in the music.

 

Notes by Don Reinhold, ©2022

Sonata da Chiesa
Adolphus Hailstork

ADOLPHUS HAILSTORK

Born April 17, 1941 in Rochester, New York.

Sonata da Chiesa for String Orchestra (about 19’)

I. Exaltation
II. Great Mystery (O Magnum Mysterium)
III. Adoration
IV. Jubilation
V. Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
VI. Grant Us Thy Peace (Dona Nobis Pacem)
VII. Exaltation

First performance by the Wichita Symphony.

Adolphus Hailstork is a leading composer of our time, and his music often reflects his African-American heritage. This particular work, the Sonata da Chiesa, or Church Sonata, came to our attention during a post-concert conversation with Ron Spigelman, conductor of our recent February Pops concert. As often happens, the conversation turned to works of music, and Ron commented that he had performed this work by Hailstork with success at a summer music festival.

From Hailstork's website, we learn that he received his doctorate in music composition from Michigan State University. Previous studies were at Howard University, the Manhattan School of Music, and the American Institute at Fontainebleau, where he studied with Nadia Boulanger. His many orchestral works have been performed by major American orchestras like Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia by conductors such as James de Priest, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel, and Daniel Barenboim. He taught at Old Dominion University for many years as a Professor of Music and Eminent Scholar.

A sonata da chiesa is a term for instrumental music that emerged during the 17th century and was used during church services. Its multi-movement design is considered one of the forerunners of the 18th-century symphony.

Hailstork composed his Sonata da Chiesa on commission from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia. Under the direction of Hazel K. Cheilek, the school's string orchestra premiered the work in 1992.

The titles of the movements reflect the mood of the music.

Hailstork writes that he has always had a fascination with cathedrals. This work was inspired by his memories of the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York, where he served as a boy chorister. You may take a virtual tour of this stunning cathedral on its website. The music invites you, the listener, to find your own private, sacred space as you contemplate the feelings in the music.

 

Notes by Don Reinhold, ©2022