Eilir Owen Griffiths – Coro Angelicus (Vocal Score)

Coro Angelicus has been especially composed by Eilir for Côr Godre’r Garth. It is a lively work which encompasses some of Eilir’s favourite memories with the choir since he took over as conductor in 2003. The brass ensemble is reminiscent of his first performance with the choir on the National Eisteddfod stage, conducting Gloria by John Rutter. The presence of the harp in the work is significant because of the strong cerdd dant tradition in the Pontypridd area, and the percussion instruments are a reminder of a special concert in Carmarthen in 2009, when the choir performed Carmina Burana by Carl Orff and O Beata Trinitas by Karl Jenkins.

The first of the work’s nine movements is Ymdeithgan Angel, composed by Eilir for his wife on their wedding day, when the choir sang in the service. Disgynnodd has been composed in the manner of a folk song, echoing the choir’s folk repertoire down the years. The main theme of Exaudi Nos – Clyw Ni was composed one fine evening when the choir was on tour in La Rochelle in 2010. Although Coro Angelicus is not a festive composition, it contains the familiar carol Noël which brings back fond memories for Eilir of the annual Christmas concerts held at Tabernacl Chapel in Efail Isaf. The work closes with a stirring arrangement of Sanctus, to signify the numerous times the choir has sung at the Millennium Stadium before international rugby matches.

Instrumentation:
SATB Choir, Brass Ensemble, 2 Harps and Organ

Duration: 25 minutes