Five Motets by Anthony St. Pierre
In May 2023, we recorded five motets composed by Anthony St. Pierre: Regina cæli (0.00); Nigra sum (2.15); O vos omnes (6.15); Like as the Hart (9.35); and Jesu dulcis (13.10) Anthony St. Pierre composes in a variety of styles and for diverse media. Having started his musical career as a choirboy, he is particularly drawn to sacred vocal music.
Scores for these motets and others are available via IMSLP:
Ave Virgo Virginum
Thirteenth-century conductus from an anonymous composer associated with Notre Dame de Paris, sung by Schola Magdalena, ensemble in residence at the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene,Toronto, Canada. Recorded in isolation, from our homes, June 2020.
We Shall Overcome
Our gift for Earth Day 2020. ‘We shall overcome’ attributed to Rev. Dr. Charles Tindley (circa 1900), arranged by Stephanie Martin (2020)
Alleluia – for Bravo!
In July 2010, we had an exciting day of filming a classical music video, produced by Paulus Productions and Bravo! FACT.
The video, which features “Alleluia,” composed by Stephanie Martin, began airing on Bravo! television in December 2011. Bravo! broadcasts classical music videos as filler between programs.
Video Production and Premiere Gallery
Video Q&A
Paulus Productions, in conjunction with Bravo! FACT, produced a classical music video featuring Schola Magdalena singing “Alleluia,” a piece composed by member Stephanie Martin; it has become one of the group’s signature pieces. Paul Russell, producer of the video, talks about how this project came about. — Julia Armstrong
Q: Tell us about Paulus Productions and the kind of work the company does.
Paul Russell, producer: Paulus was formed in the 1970s, originally to produce works for the stage. We began to do more film projects in the ’90s. Projects have included the stage production Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, the documentary film Stress (Gold Award-New York Film and Television Festival), the film series for television Untamed World (Emmy nominee), and the long-running taped television quiz program Reach for the Top.
Q: You’ve produced classical music videos before, including one with the Gallery Choir of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. How did this project come about?
Paul: I’ve been familiar with the music at St. Mary Magdalene’s for two decades. The Gallery Choir has been, for some time, one of the finest in the city. The choir’s video, “Faces & Moments,” was produced in 1997 and won several awards. I was impressed with “Alleluia,” by director of music Stephanie Martin, the first time I heard it, and thought it would also make a good video.
Q: The video is being broadcast on Bravo. Can you explain how it is used and outline your collaboration with them.
Paul: From time to time, it will be included in half-hour clusters of short music videos produced with Bravo. We hope to have this video screened at international festivals, as was the case for “Faces and Moments” (1997).
Q: Tell us about the creative process behind the current video. What is the story or message you are conveying with this three-minute piece?
Paul: The beauty of the cyclical form in sound and imagery.
Q: About how many members were on your team?
Paul: There have been about 20 people involved in the production. The shoot took about 14 hours. As always, it was a pleasure working with such a fine group of people.