Kevin Siegfried

Surge, illuminare from Vidimus stellam

In the tradition of Daniel Pinkham's Christmas Cantata, Kevin Siegfried's Vidimus stellam (We Have Seen His Star) is a radiant and uplifting work for SATB Chorus and Brass Quintet or Organ. Using traditional Latin texts drawn from Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, Vidimus stellam evocatively traces the theme of Light through the Christmas season. In the choral parts, an expressive lyricism predominates, revealing Siegfried's affinity for chant and early music. A balance between accessibility and challenge is maintained throughout. This is the fourth movement, Surge, illuminare, based on the Epiphany text, 'Rise, shine...for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. ' Like thethird movement, this begins dramatically with the men first, then the women, proclaiming the opening text. At measure 11, the tempo launches into Vivo, with a 3+3+2 feeling and mixed meters. Rhythmic, dance-like, and fun. The organ accompaniment sometimes doubles, sometimes punctuates. The movement ends much as it began, in the dramatic slow statement of 'Surge, illuminare. '