A Cappella SATB divisi
In Paradisum
As a child, I perceived the notion of life vs. death to be quite dichotomous -inherently absolute. A living being was either "with" us, or had passed on; either of this earth, or in heaven. However, when my maternal Grandmother suffered a serious yet non-fatal stroke, I began experiencing complex grays that disrupted my black and white perspective. I saw glimpses into her former personality, yet grieved the loss of her true spirit; I recognized her same body, but could not ignore the gravity of her newfound disabilities. "In Paradisum" explores these physiological, spiritual, spatial, and theological perspectives of life vs. death. It is dedicated with utmost love and gratitude to Margaret "Grandma Peg" Crowl.
In Paradisum
In paradisum deducant te angeli,
May the angels lead you
in tuo adventu
into paradise
suscipiant te martyres,
may the martyrs receive you in your coming
et perducant te
and may they guide you
in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem.
into the holy city, Jerusalem.
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,
May the chorus of angels receive you,
et cum Lazaro quondam pauper
and with Lazrus who once was poor
aeternam habeas requiem.
may you have eternal rest.
