Surge amica mea for SATB a cappella choir, divisi

“The endings of soft, long notes, particularly in Surge, amica mea (Daniel Knaggs), were sublime as the evenness of the texture and dynamics were perfectly maintained.” –The Courier, Australia

“I was particularly drawn to the bold and a crunchy soundscapes found in the remainder of the concert’s first half. Daniel Knaggs’ setting of Surge, amica mea had a dark and atmospheric quality, the uneasiness contrasting satisfyingly with the words of the joyful love poem. (This performance was its Australian premiere)”. –Fever Pitch magazine, Australia

Durata: ca. 6 minutes

Premiere:  06/15/2019 – Interlochen Choral Conducting Institute, Madeleine Woodworth, cond.

Listen below to the premiere of Surge Amica Mea by The Interlochen Choral Conducting Institute Choir:

Program notes to come…

Text and Translation (From Song of Songs):

Surge, amica mea, columba mea, formosa mea, et veni;
Jam enim hiems transiit,
imber abiit et recessit.
Flores apparuerunt in terra,
tempus putationis advenit.
Vox turturis audita est in terra nostra;
Ficus protulit grossos suos;
vineae florentes dederunt odorem suum.
Surge, amica mea, speciosa mea, et veni.
Ostende mihi faciem tuam,
sonet vox tua in auribus meis:
vox enim tua dulcis,
et facies tua decora.

Arise, my love, my dove, my fair one, and come away;
For now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of pruning has come
And the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom;
They give forth fragrance.
Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Let me see your face,
Let me hear your voice,
For sweet is your voice,
And lovely is your countenance.