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	Hear Samples on the new music clips page Lamentation and Celebration__Op 43 for Chorus, Piano, Organ, Bass, Brass Choir and Percussion
	In 1996 I had the opportunity to experience the premiere performance of "Lamentation And Celebration"__Op. 43 by Glenn Burleigh. The work travels a musical journey of human experience: Happiness, pain, acceptance, and finally joy. The five movements are named as follows: Mercy, Happiness, Trouble, Deliverance, and Joy. They may be performed separately, however, the emotional impact of all five movements performed in sequence is an unforgettable journey for both performers and audience. The work was commissioned by the Sanctuary Choir of Saint Andrews United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas, for the closing portion of a music marathon entitled "Voices That Care". Additional funding was provided by the National Endowment For The Arts, Mid-America Arts Alliance Program, Texas Commission On The Arts, and Meet The Composer. More than 350 musicians from the area participated in what can only be described as a monumental music event. Donations were taken at the door and were given to B.E.A.T. AIDS {Black Effort Against The Threat Of Aids} and Wellness Connection. In 1995 I lost far too many friends to AIDS and cancer. I felt as though something needed to be said through the power of music, and expression of the soul. The first composer I contacted was Glenn Burleigh. To my surprise, he was thinking of just such a project that dealt with the needless pain and suffering of humanity. An Oklahoma native, he had recently shared the grief of families of victims and survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. What a perfect opportunity! Two people who desperately had the need to ask, "Why? " Ironically, this very moving world premiere took place (we are proud to say) on the one year anniversary of that tragedy in the state of Texas rather than Oklahoma. So it was from universal human experiences, regardless of circumstances, that "Lamentation And Celebration" was born. It is a musical work that fuses elements of medieval chant and baroque fugues with the language of jazz and gospel. A work quite unlike any you may have ever heard or experienced! Thank you, Glenn, for this wonderful work; but most of all, thank you for your friendship! Dr. Douglas R. Boyer Director of Music Ministries, St. Andrew's UMC Dean of Fine Arts, Saint Mary's Hall Faculty, St. Mary's University Artistic Director, Songmakers
	Notes From The Composer I had not been able to express my very deep feelings about this great evil of our time. I was angry. I was sad. I hurt so much for the victims and families and survivors. I didn't let myself hate, but I was mad, and frightened...so very frightened. Then I heard family members who had lost several family members speak of compassion, and forgiveness and promoting love rather than hate. I had always been taught about forgiveness, but, this was unbelievable. Only God could bring such good out of such tragedy. Then all five movements came to me, almost all at once. The general theme of God's Mercy (from Lamentations 3:22) is echoed throughout the work. None of us is good enough to live outside of God's protection. The first two movements, with the exception of the introduction to the first, are quite tonal. Citizens have been lulled into a false sense of security, then "Trouble" strikes. Timpani, Organ pedals, piano in low register, with running chromatic scales upward and dissonant chords all signify that something is wrong. The bomb blast is written into the score (through the use of modern technology). Also, there is written into the score flashing red lights, sirens and the screams of the crowd, an emotional moment for the composer, the performers and the audience. However, healing, closure, forgiveness (at least for some) peace and finally joy are the blessings available for those who truly trust in "The Prince Of Peace", one Jesus Christ! As always there is a definite gospel-jazz flavor blended into this classical format . A very classical fugal treatment ends this rather spirited movement which uses Psalm 23:6 as its theme: "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever". It uses the same chant-like, minor-mode melody of the opening movement in a quick-lively tempo. At some point in the future, it is the composers intention to score the work for full orchestra, perhaps for coloristic purposes. The present accompaniment is more than adequate to support even an extremely large choir. This work is joyfully dedicated to the victims, families, friends and survivors of the Oklahoma City Bombing of APRIL 19., 1995. With Much Love, Glenn Burleigh Pianist, Composer, Conductor