Nathan howe – Composer/Arranger
Composer/Arranger, Nathan Howe, publishes his piece “Peace Be Unto Thy Soul” for SATB choir – a cappella with HolySheetMusic.com. Here is a little more about Nathan and his music.
Nathan writes: “Like so much of my music, Peace Be Unto Thy Soul was written during a period when I didn’t really have time to write music. I was teaching full-time, working on a Master’s degree, directing a musical, and trying not to become a stranger to my wonderful wife and three children. This text has always spoken to me — it is very emotional. It is not about being happy in spite of trouble; it is about the peace that comes while being purified in the fire of affliction. It seems that sometimes the Lord pulls us out of trouble, but much more often he meets us there and strengthens us to bear it. I think that’s why so many people feel that this text applies specifically to themselves.
Musically, I wanted some unanswered questions to convey this text. I didn’t want the harmony to give an impression of complete happiness or despair. I wanted a feeling of completeness, but not completion. I avoided straight major or minor chords, which are associated with specific emotional roles. So this piece utilizes many open harmonies, and each major or minor chord has an added tone – a second or a fourth or something else. I also wanted the harmony to be approachable for singers and listeners, so the piece is completely diatonic – there are no accidentals.”
Nathan Howe (b. 1982) is a Colorado composer, educator, and performer. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. He has been commissioned to compose and arrange for community and church choirs, university ensembles, short films, and live stage shows. His music has also received awards of distinction and merit in the annual music submissions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nathan served in the Australia Sydney South Mission from 2001-2003. He began publishing music in 2006. Nathan currently lives in Fort Morgan, Colorado, where he directs choir and orchestra in the local schools. He and his wife Allison have three children.”
Here’s a link to Nathan’s striking piece: Peace Be Unto Thy Soul
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