PEFOMANCE NOTES ST. FANCIS SUITE by Kevin McChesney I've ound meaningul and lie-changing inspiration in my spiritual walk through the simple and elegant writings o St. Francis o Assisi (1181 or 1182 1226). This riar and patron saint ound a deep, lasting connection to God through living a lie o simplicity and service. He exempliies the highest ideals o joy in lie and itness or service through prayer, meditation, and an intelligent, rational view o lie as the spiritual experience that it is intended to be. His principles are ideas and methods to live by and oer hope through inding a simple, powerul connection with God in our daily living. In the "St. Francis Suite," I oer a series o scenes that relect my emotions in responding to this astonishing spiritual mentor's extraordinary words. Just as the music can be related to not one but several o St. Francis' prayers, there are a number o possibilities or perormance o this work through several versions: Handbell Choir alone Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra Handbell Choir and Flute Choir Classical Guitar, Handbell Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra Here is the list o original works that, in various conigurations, make up the St. Francis Suite in its several incarnations: Fountains o Light Interlude #1 ( Interlude or ull handbell choir versions) Interlude #2 (only included in the guitar and handbell ensemble version) Make Me An Instrument O Thy Peace Psalm Sonnet Tempest Toccata #1 Toccata #2 Toccata #3
The most meaningul o St. Francis' prayers or me personally is widely-known and is titled simply "Prayer o St. Francis o Assisi." It reads (the line numbers are my addition to acilitate these perormance notes, connecting line numbers to individual pieces on the ollowing page): Prayer o Saint Francis o Assisi (1) Lord, make me an instrument o your peace, (2) where there is hatred, let me sow love; (3) where there is injury, pardon; (4) where there is doubt, aith; (5) where there is despair, hope; (6) where there is darkness, light; (7) where there is sadness, joy. (8) O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; (9) to be understood, as to understand; (10) to be loved, as to love. (11) For it is in giving that we receive, (12) it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, (13) and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Lie. These lines are sometimes added ater line (3) - (3a) where there is discord, harmony; (3b) where there is error, truth; The essential structure o the St. Francis Suite is six movements long, representing lines 2 through 7 o this prayer, but I oer options or extended presentations, adding line (1) and/or lines (3a) and (3b). The tone o each movement is expressive o my thoughts and eelings concerning these lines, and oten the juxtaposition o the words (hatred/love, injury/pardon, etc.) are also represented by contrasts in the music. The selections o the movements in this version o the Suite are detailed on the ollowing page.
Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra: Chamber Orchestra Instrumentation Flute Clarinet in Bb Oboe Bassoon Violin I Violin II Viola Cello (2) Toccata #1 Handbell Choir (Jeers Handbell Supply JHS9352); Orchestra Score and Parts (Sonology Music SM14-04) (3) Interlude Handbell Choir (Sonology Music SM14-01); Orchestra Score and Parts (Sonology Music SM14-05) (4) Toccata #2 Handbell Choir (Jeers Handbell Supply JHS9408); Orchestra Score and Parts (Sonology Music SM14-06) Changes to bell part: play beat one o m. 63 (treble ring as dotted hal note, lower treble and bass mallet), tacet (do not play) the rest o m. 63 through m. 74 play beat one o m. 85 (treble ring as dotted hal note, bass mallet), tacet the rest o m. 85 through m. 96 m. 97 - bass mallets as written, omit C5 and treble chords beat one (5) Sonnet Handbell Choir (Sonology Music SM14-02); Orchestra Score and Parts (Sonology Music SM14-07) Change to bell part: do not play (tacet) m. 50-52 (6) Fountains o Light (originally titled "Fountains") Handbell Choir (inging Word Publications MW8193) or Handbell Quartet/Ensemble (STEP (The Solo To Ensemble Project) STEP14-08); optional solo lute part is part o the download rom STEP or is available as MW8193F. (7) Toccata #3 Handbell Choir (Sonology Music SM14-03); Orchestra Score and Parts (Sonology Music SM14-08) Change to bell part: play irst beat o m. 54 (A major chord) as a rung dotted quarter note, tacet or the rest o m. 54 and or m. 55-60 Additions or extended version: (1) Make Me An Instrument O Thy Peace 3-5 octaves, Level II+ Handbell Choir (Jeers Handbell Supply JHS9296); use optional parts or two C instruments [lute/oboe, lute/violin, etc.] (JHS9296B). Other instrumental parts are available or brass and/or keyboard; these options may also be used, though these instruments are not used in any o the rest o the Suite. (3a) Tempest 4-7 octaves, Level VI Handbell Choir (Jeers Handbell Supply JHS9257); orchestra tacet (3b) Psalm 4-7 octaves, Level VI Handbell Choir (Jeers Handbell Supply JHS9332); comes with optional solo lute or violin part
Following are two more texts that the St. Francis Suite may be based on. I've listed the titles that match the texts' individual lines ater each line. The Canticle o the Sun by Francis o Assisi Most high, all powerul, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name. Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiul and radiant in all his splendor! O you, Most High, he bears the likeness. (Toccata #1) Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiul. (Interlude #1) Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance. (Tempest) Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useul, and humble, and precious, and pure. (Fountains o Light) Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiul and cheerul, and powerul and strong. (Toccata #2) Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who eeds us and rules us, and produces various ruits with colored lowers and herbs. (Sonnet) Be praised, my Lord, through those who orgive or love o you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, or by you, Most High, they will be crowned. (Psalm or Interlude #2) Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, rom whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she inds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them. (Toccata #3) Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.
Prayer Beore the Cruciix Most High, Glorious God, (Toccata #1) enlighten the darkness o my mind, (Interlude #1) give me right aith, (Toccata #2) a irm hope and perect charity, (Sonnet) sense and knowledge (Fountains o Light) so that I may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen. (Toccata #3) alternate wording Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness o my heart, and give me correct aith, sure hope and perect charity, with understanding and knowledge, Lord, so that I may ulill your holy and true command, Amen.
q = 132 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra Flute Oboe Clarinet in Bb Bassoon Handbells Violin I Violin II Viola Violoncello Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music All ights eserved. Copying Prohibited. Kevin McChesney 4 octave choirs omit notes in ( ). Staccato notes - mallet bell on padded table.
Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 4 8 ( ) ( ) St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 2
Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 12 ( ) ( ) St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 3
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 16 pizz. ) ( () pizz. pizz. pizz. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 4
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 20 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 5
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 24 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 6
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 27 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 7
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 30 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 8
33 36 39 42 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 9 Mallets
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 45 arco arco () ( ) arco St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 10
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 48 ( ) ( arco St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 11 )
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 51 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 12
Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 55 59 mp ( mp ) mp mp St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 13 mp
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. 63 66 69 ( mp mp ) St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 14
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 73 ( ) mp cresc. cresc. cresc. mp mp cresc. cresc. cresc. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 15 mp
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 77 * Mallets *For ease o reading, C5 is in the treble cle m. 77-79 and m. 81-82. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 16
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 80 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 17
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 83 poco rit. poco rit. a tempo a tempo St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 18
Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 87 91 ( ) ( ) St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 19
Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 95 ( ) ( ) St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 20
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 99 ( ) St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 21
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 103 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 22
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 107 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 23
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 110 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 24
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 113 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 25
117 121 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 26
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. 125 cresc. Mallets St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 27
Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Vln. I Vln. II Vla. Vc. 129 rit. rit. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Page 28
Flute 15 q = 132 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra 21 26 31 41 50 65 Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music All ights eserved. Copying Prohibited. Kevin McChesney
78 84 99 poco rit. a tempo 105 110 115 124 rit. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Flute - Page 2
Oboe 15 32 45 52 68 77 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra q = 132 Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music All ights eserved. Copying Prohibited. Kevin McChesney
83 95 110 115 124 129 poco rit. a tempo rit. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Oboe - Page 2
Clarinet in Bb 15 28 36 48 54 71 77 q = 132 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music All ights eserved. Copying Prohibited. Kevin McChesney mp cresc.
83 95 poco rit. a tempo 103 108 113 120 128 rit. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Clarinet in Bb - Page 2
Bassoon 15 q = 132 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music All ights eserved. Copying Prohibited. Kevin McChesney 21 31 41 51
69 75 mp cresc. 82 92 poco rit. a tempo 102 107 119 128 rit. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Bassoon - Page 2
Violin I 11 16 23 30 40 50 57 q = 132 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra pizz. Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music Permission is granted or licensed purchaser to make the necessary number o copies or use in his/her own program ONLY. Kevin McChesney arco mp
65 76 82 92 98 103 108 poco rit. mp a tempo cresc. 113 120 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Violin I - Page 2 rit.
Violin II 11 q = 132 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra 17 pizz. 24 31 41 51 58 Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music Permission is granted or licensed purchaser to make the necessary number o copies or use in his/her own program ONLY. Kevin McChesney arco mp
69 77 83 93 100 106 112 119 125 mp poco rit. a tempo cresc. rit. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Violin II - Page 2
Viola 11 17 24 31 41 54 61 q = 132 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music Permission is granted or licensed purchaser to make the necessary number o copies or use in his/her own program ONLY. Kevin McChesney pizz. arco mp
73 81 92 98 104 110 116 124 mp cresc. poco rit. a tempo rit. St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Viola - Page 2
Violoncello 11 q = 132 or my wie, Tracy ST. FANCIS SUITE VI. Toccata #3 or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra 17 pizz. 24 31 41 Copyright 2011 - Sonology Music Permission is granted or licensed purchaser to make the necessary number o copies or use in his/her own program ONLY. Kevin McChesney arco 54 59 mp
72 83 93 99 poco rit. mp a tempo 106 113 123 St. Francis Suite - VI. Toccata #3 - or 4-7 Octave Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra - Kevin McChesney - Violoncello - Page 2 rit.