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Carol Barnett

Carol Barnett writes audacious and engaging music. She is known for breaking the mold with meter changes, differing tonal centers, unusual instrument combinations, and her love of fast tempi. Despite these typical thumbprints, Barnett’s works are diverse, uncovering the needs of each piece and each text with her characteristic integrity. Carol’s varied catalog includes works...

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Carol Barnett (Beady Eyes)

In the Pursuit of that Perfection

Name: In the Pursuit of that Perfection
SKU: BE-021
Availability: InStock

Carol Barnett

A joyful G-major call by St. Clare of Assisi to go forward eagerly in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit of the Lord has called us.

Choral

mixed choir

1-2 instruments

Difficulty: 3

Duration: 3-5 min.

BE-021

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SATB, cello

The music creates the world of St. Clare, contemporary and follower of St. Francis. We hear the women joyfully calling young Clare to the contemplative life, the Franciscan men softly chanting the text in Latin, and supporting it all, the cello, lightly imitating the swift steps of the unswerving feet that stir up no dust on their way.

Composer’s Notes

“In the Pursuit of that Perfection” was commissioned for the Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester (MN), Rick Kvam, Artistic Director, by Noel and Ann Peterson in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. It honors the extraordinary 140+ years of community service given by the Sisters of St. Francis to the many organizations in Rochester, notably the Mayo Clinic, but also numerous non-profits and educational institutions.

The text, by St. Clare of Assisi, contemporary of St. Francis, is part of a letter written to Blessed Agnes of Prague, encouraging her to persevere in her commitment to a life of holy poverty. The “swift pace, light step” is heard in the accompanying cello, urging us to “go forward securely, joyfully.”
– Carol Barnett

Text

What you hold, may you always hold.

What you do, may you always do and never abandon.

But with swift pace, light step,

and unswerving feet,

so that even your steps stir up no dust,

go forward

securely, joyfully, and swiftly,

on the path of prudent happiness,

believing nothing,

agreeing with nothing

which would dissuade you from this resolution

or which would place a stumbling block for you on the way,

so that you may offer your vows to the Most High

in the pursuit of that perfection

to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.

– Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

Lyrics excerpted from Francis and Clare: The Complete Works, translation and introduction by Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap, and Ignatius C. Brady, OFM. Copyright © 1982 by Paulist Press, Inc. Paulist Press, Inc., New York/Mahwah, NJ. Used by permission of Paulist Press, Inc.
www.paulistpress.com

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