René Clausen

René Clausen (born 1953) is an American composer, conductor emeritus of The Concordia Choir, and professor of music at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. His works are widely performed by high school and church choirs while his more technically demanding pieces have been performed and recorded by college and professional choirs. Among his many accolades, his recent recording, "Life & Breath: Choral Works by René Clausen," received three Grammy Awards at the 55th Grammy Awards in 2013.[1][2]

René Clausen signing programs after the Final Concert of a Choral Clinic at the University of Nebraska-Kearney on Monday, October 26th, 2015.

Clausen is a frequent guest conductor, guest composer and lecturer, both nationally and internationally. He has conducted All-State choirs in more than 15 states. Prior to his appointment as conductor of The Concordia Choir, Clausen was director of choral activities at West Texas State University, Canyon, Texas, and assistant professor of choral music at Wichita State University. He also served as senior editor of Mark Foster Music Company and as interim conductor of the National Lutheran Choir of Minneapolis.

Dr. René Clausen announced that he will retire following the 2019-20 academic year, concluding his service as professor of music and conductor of The Concordia Choir.[3]

Education

Raised in California, Clausen graduated from Wilton Senior High School in Wilton, Iowa, holds an undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, and received the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in choral conducting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Composition style

Clausen's compositional style is varied and eclectic, and put to sacred as well as secular texts. He has created compositions and arrangements that range over many artistic media including choral, orchestral, wind ensemble, film, video, and solo voice. Clausen's most popular harmonies are mostly based on close dissonances such as the major and minor second. These chords based on dissonance are also called "tone clusters". His style is sometimes classified as Neo-Romantic but this term can mean many things. All of his works are unmistakably tonal yet they push the boundaries of chordal language. The traditional functions of choral progression are blurred by his use of tone clusters. These ideas are mostly exhibited in pieces such as "Tonight, Eternity Alone", "Magnificat", and "I Thank You God". Less difficult pieces exhibit the same structure as any classical or baroque choral piece with a hint of romantic rubato and expression but largely, very traditional chord progressions.

Selected compositions and arrangements

SONG TITLEADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All That Hath Life & Breath Praise the Lord
A Noiseless, Patient Spiderfrom Three Whitman Settings
Ave Maria
Ave RosaCommissioned by the St. Olaf Choir, premiered on their winter tour, January–February 2012. The premiere recording is 82:47 into the Winter Home Tour Concert (13 February 2012) archived at http://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?e=560
Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair
Deep River
Hear Me, I Will Livefrom Crying for a Dream
How Can You Buy the Sky?from Crying for a Dream
I Thank You GodA setting of e.e. cummings' celebrated poem "I Thank You God." Dissonance, tone color and texture are ever-changing, chord cluster follows chord cluster and changing meter and tempo further accentuate the unbridled happiness expressed in the text. It has been portrayed as a thanksgiving hymn.
Jabberwocky
Jubilant Song
La LumiereTranslated as "The Light." As the poet's spiritual perception changes, he views his visual landscape in a new light. In much the same way, Clausen transforms the listener's aural landscape with layer upon layer of changing harmony and musical texture. Written for a cappella choir with division in each voice part.
MagnificatCommissioned by the Texas Choral Director's Association, 1988. Scored for SATB double choir.
O My Luve's Like a Red, Red Rose
On the Mountain Top Blows the Wind MildSilesian folk tune, arr. RC. Scored for SATB divisi.
O Vos OmnesTexts from the Holy Bible, Sacred Latin Poems, Lutheran Chorale, "O Sacred Head Now Wounded", and the Latin Mass.
Peace I Leave With YouWritten for the 1991 Concordia Centennial Alumni Choir, Moorhead, Minnesota. Scored SATB divisi.
Plenty Good RoomSpiritual, arr. RC. Contains jazz elements including a scat soloist (the part is written out in the score)
PrayerTribute to Mother Teresa
Psalm 100Originally for SSA chorus, it is now also available for SATB. Scoring includes Orff instruments and small group of woodwinds.
Psalm 109
Psalm 148
Psalm 150
Quicksand Yearsfrom Three Whitman Settings
The Salutation of the DawnThe lyrics of this piece were taken from the Sanskrit poem, "The Salutation of the Dawn." It was first performed by Florida All State Chorus in 1997.
Seek the Lord
Set Me as a Sealfrom A New Creation
Song at DuskMuch like a vocal tone poem, the colors brought forth in this piece, along with the soaring melodies, dramatically illuminate the poem by Leigh Hanes, once poet laureate of the state of Virginia. Divisi in all parts, it is recommended for the advanced high school or college ensemble.
Sweet Was the SongEnglish carol, arr. RC. Written by Clausen on the occasion of his daughter's(Rachel Clausen) birth. Words traditional, except the second verse by his wife, Frankie Clausen.
The Last Invocationfrom Three Whitman Settings
The Lord's PrayerA contemporary setting of the classic prayer, scored in multiple meters and keys by Clausen. For SATB chorus.
Tonight Eternity AloneFull of dynamic, expressive passages, soaring soprano solos and simple, but mood-evoking text. A good showcase for moderate-to-advanced skills choir.
War Songfrom Crying for a Dream
What a Wonderful WorldClausen provides a most sensitive arrangement of this timeless pop standard.
The Water Is Wide

Santa Barbara Music Publishing

SONG TITLEVOICINGSANTA BARBARA MUSIC PUBLISHING LISTING
AlleluiaSATB div.SBMP 557
At the Round Earth's Imagined CornersTTBBSBMP 874
BarterSSASBMP 527
Canticle of PraiseSATB / SATBSBMP 655
Early Bird, TheSSAATTBBSBMP 645
In the Bleak MidwinterSATBSBMP 620
JabberwockySATBSBMP 528
Make We Joye Now In This FestSATBSBMP 1049
Plenty Good RoomSATB div.SBMP 536
Psalm 108SATBSBMP 543
Song at DuskSATBSBMP 505
Stairs Behind the Sky, TheSATBSBMP 584
Tant Que Je Vive (Long As I Live)SATBSBMP 621
There Is a Balm in GileadSATB div; S &/or T sSBMP 611
There Is No RoseSATBSBMP 579
Turn AroundSSASBMP 542

Additional music is available from other publishers.

Available recordings of compositions

Song NameArtistRecording TitleFormat
Concordia ChoirIn The New Moon1 CD
I. A Noiseless Patient SpiderConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
I. Hear Me, I Will Live!Concordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
II. Quicksand YearsConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
II. War SongConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
III. How Can You Buy The Sky?Concordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
III. The Last InvocationConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
A Jubilant SongUniversity of Utah SingersA Jubilant Song1 CD
A Noiseless Patient SpiderKantoreiPillars Of Light1 CD
A Stable Lamp is LightedKantoreiLittle Tree1 CD
All That Hath Life & BreathOasis ChoraleTreasures in Heaven1 CD
All That Hath Life & Breath Praise Ye the Lord!Rene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 2Sheet Music
All That Hath Life and BreathSeattle Children's ChorusCelebrate!1 CD
All That Hath Life And BreathLuther College NorsemenOh Sing Jubilee1 CD
All That Hath Life and Breath, Praise Ye the Lord!University of Utah SingersThe Cloths of Heaven1 CD
Ave MariaRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 1Sheet Music
BarterManitou Singers of St. Olaf CollegeRepertoire For Women's Voices Vol 51 CD
Calm, on the Listening Ear of NightConcordia ChoirCome To The Living Water1 CD
Canticle of PraiseRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 3Sheet Music
Canticle Of PraiseConcordia ChoirF. Melius Christiansen 135th Anniversary Concert2 CDs
Circle DanceConcordia ChoirSavior of the Nations1 CD
Come to the Living WaterConcordia ChoirCome To The Living Water1 CD
Crying For A DreamConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
Deep RiverConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
Do You Hear What I Hear?Concordia ChoirJourney to BethlehemDVD
Fantasia O Come, O Come EmmanuelConcordia ChoirJourney to Bethlehem1 CD
Fantasia on "The King Shall Come"Concordia ChoirSavior of the Nations1 CD
Fantasia on "Une Jeune Pucelle"Concordia ChoirCome To The Living Water1 CD
Fantasia On O Come, O Come EmmanuelConcordia ChoirO Come All Ye Faithful1 CD
HosannaRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 1Sheet Music
HosannaLuther College Nordic ChoirChristmas with the Nordic Choir Vol 11 CD
I Thank You GodRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 2Sheet Music
In PaceKantoreiPillars Of Light1 CD
La LumiereRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 2Sheet Music
La LumiereConcordia ChoirEchoes1 CD
LaudateLuther College Nordic ChoirEverlasting God1 CD
Lord of All BeingConcordia ChoirStar Of Wonder1 CD
MagnificatRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 2Sheet Music
MagnificatConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
MagnificatNational Lutheran ChoirWhile Angels Sing1 CD
Make A Joyful NoiseManitou Singers of St. Olaf CollegeChristmas1 CD
Make A Joyful NoiseManitou Singers of St. Olaf CollegeHighlights from the St. Olaf Christmas Festival1 CD
Make A Joyful NoiseSt. Olaf ChoirWhat Wondrous Love Vol V11 CD
MemorialConcordia ChoirMemorial1 CD
Messe Pour Double ChoeurPhoenix Bach ChoirEternal RestSACD
Nunc DimittisVarious ArrangersAugsburg Choirbook for Advent, Christmas and EpiphanySongbook
Nunc DimittisSt. Olaf ChoirWhere Peace and Love and Hope Abide2 CDs
O Little Town of BethlehemConcordia ChoirJourney to Bethlehem1 CD
O My Luve's Like a Red, Red RoseSeattle Children's ChorusA Young Poet Sings1 CD
O My Luve's Like a Red, Red RoseSt. Olaf ChoirRepertoire for Mixed Voices Vol. 11 CD
O My Luves Like a Red, Red RoseSt. Louis Children's Choir30th Anniversary2 CDs
O Vos OmnesKantoreiPillars Of Light1 CD
O Vos OmnesConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
Peace I Leave With YouRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 1Sheet Music
Peace I Leave with YouMillikin University ChoirsFrom The Heart1 CD
Peace I Love With YouNational Lutheran ChoirTree of Glory1 CD
PrayerCoro Nacional de CubaEl Canto Quiere ser Luz - Songs Want to Be Light1 CD
Psalm 100St. Louis Children's Choir30th Anniversary2 CDs
Psalm 100Bella Voce Young Women's ChoirBest of Bella1 CD
Psalm 100New Orleans Children's ChorusMusic Down In My Soul2 CDs
Psalm 100Manitou Singers of St. Olaf CollegeThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
Psalm 100: Make A Joyful NoiseSt. Olaf ChoirLight of All Creation ... Scatter the Darkness2 CDs
Psalm 103Concordia ChoirStar Of Wonder1 CD
Psalm 23Concordia ChoirThe Lord Is My Shepherd1 CD
Quicksand YearsIowa State SingersChoral Spectrum 11 CD
Quicksand YearsKantoreiPillars Of Light1 CD
Seek The LordConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
Seek The LordMillikin University ChoirsVespers 2010 - Shout The Good News1 CD
Set Me As A SealRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 1Sheet Music
Set Me As A SealGrand Rapids Women's ChorusCelebrating Time Together1 CD
Set Me As A SealMillikin University ChoirsFrom The Heart1 CD
Set Me As a SealSt. Olaf ChoirHallelujah! We Sing Your Praises1 CD
Set Me As A SealMirinesseSing Creation's Music1 CD
Set Me As A SealSt. Louis Children's ChoirSpring Concerts 20041 CD
Set Me As A SealThe Dale Warland SingersThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
Set Me as a SealUniversity of Utah SingersThe Cloths of Heaven1 CD
Sua GanConcordia ChoirSavior of the Nations1 CD
The Last InvocationKantoreiPillars Of Light1 CD
There is No RoseLuther College Nordic ChoirChristmas at Luther 20091 CD
There Is No RoseConcordia ChoirO Come All Ye Faithful1 CD
There Is No Rose of Such VirtueConcordia ChoirJourney to Bethlehem1 CD
There Is No Rose of Such VirtueConcordia ChoirJourney to BethlehemDVD
Three Whitman SettingsConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
Three Whitman Settings (from "Leaves of Grass"):KantoreiPillars Of Light1 CD
Tonight Eternity AloneRene ClausenA Cappella Compositions Vol. 1Sheet Music
Tonight eternity aloneChoir of Trinity College, CambridgeBeyond All Mortal Dreams1 CD
Tonight Eternity AloneUniversity of Utah SingersI Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day1 CD
Tonight eternity aloneThe Choral ProjectWater and Light1 CD
Tonight, Eternity AloneConcordia ChoirThe Choral Music of Rene Clausen1 CD
Ubi CaritasConcordia ChoirEchoes1 CD
Ubi caritasBYU SingersMy Redeemer Lives1 CD
Ubi CaritasGloria Chorale - Jungpyo Hong director (Korea)O Crux1 CD
VeniKantoreiPillars Of Light1 CD
Watchman, Tell Us Of The NightConcordia ChoirO Come All Ye Faithful1 CD
Watchman, Tell Us of the NightConcordia ChoirStar Of Wonder1 CD

Discography

NOTE: Clausen's compositions and arrangements are published by Shawnee Press in the Mark Foster Catalog, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Roger Dean Publishing Company and Augsburg Publishing House.

  • A New Creation
  • The Choral Music of René Clausen
  • Memorial

A New Creation

Recorded in 1990 by the Dale Warland Singers, conducted by the composer, this sacred cantata uses both English and Latin texts. "Set Me as a Seal," one of the last movements, has been excerpted and widely performed on its own.

Memorial

Memorial was written for the 2003 Brock Commission from the American Choral Directors Association.[4] It is a composition for mixed chorus, orchestra and baritone solo, based on subject material, which reflects the horrific events of September 11, 2001, in New York City. Though presented as one continuous movement, the composition follows a program that consists of four sub-sections - September Morning, The Premonition, The Attack, and Prayers & Petitions. The baritone soloist is Peter Halverson (a Concordia College Music Faculty member), the soprano soloist is opera singer (then student) Molly Mustonen. On this CD, there is also an exceptional performance of Samuel Barber's instrumental piece, "Adagio for Strings", performed by the Concordia College Orchestra.

References

  1. "Grammy Awards Go to Clausen CD". 2013-02-15. Retrieved 2016-02-13.
  2. "Life and Breath". Concordia Recordings. Retrieved 2013-06-03.
  3. "Clausen to Retire After 2019-20 Academic Year". Concordia College. Retrieved 2020-03-12.
  4. "American Choral Directors Association". Archived from the original on 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2016-03-27., Retrieved March 2016
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