Harmonious Herbst

Harmonious Herbst is a cantata for chorus, soprano solo, and chamber orchestra with flute, oboe, bassoon, and strings. It is based on five spiritual songs in the collection entitled Hymns to Be Sung at the Pianoforte by Johannes Herbst (1735-1812), bishop of the Moravian church in Pennsylvania. Many of these hymns have been researched, edited, and published by Monica Schantz, chair of the Moravian College music department in Bethlehem, PA. I am grateful to her for bringing them to my attention and trust that these gentle expansions of Johannes Herbst's melodies will prove acceptable to the heirs of his singing tradition. - Alice Parker