Commissioned by Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church for their 50th Anniversary in 1974.
handbells
Gifts for the Holy Child – Saint petit enfant
Carol of the Angels
Thank we all, Our God
The Knights of God
Audio & Video. Alternates the 1940 plainsong for The eternal gifts of Christ the King with rushing horsemen on white horses. A commission from Frank Boles and St. Paul’s, Indianapolis.
O God of Beauty, oft revealed
Theme is from Stravinsky’s Firebird, for a special dedication service.
At break of day
This complex piece finds Dirksen systematically working out change ringing bell motifs at length as well as exploring his ongoing fascination with mixed and hemiola rhythms. The attached score is regrettably partial.
Deer Walk upon our mountains
Alleluia, A Newe Work is Come
From the 1961 York Cycle Play music. Also available as a movement in the 1965 Suite for Organ, Trumpet and Handbells (D. 513).
A Holy Charivari
Composed for the wedding of John Fenstermaker, then Assistant Organist at the Cathedral. Flute, handbells, harpsichord, finger cymbals…. 6/4 alternating with 3/2….what’s not to like?
When Jesus died to save us
Christ our Passover – Liturgical, Unison
Exsultet
NOT the 1979 BCP text. The interpolated “Christ has died / Christ is risen” make it inappropriate in its current Vigil spot but it could be used to good effect AFTER the Easter proclamation.
Song of the Redeemed
Dirksen compliments Her Majesty by incorporating “The Queens Change” in the Gloria Patri. He uses it in his final anthem Sing, ye faithful as well.
Communion Service in G Major – Rite I
This speculative work features obbligato handbell parts for 10 bells replicating / mimicking several change ringing methods in each movement as well as a carillon part for the Gloria.
Sanctus & Benedictus in G Major – Rite II
Score & Audio. Liturgical setting, with bells – reworked from the 1966 / Rite I Communion Service in G.
Alleluia, a newe work is come
The Conversion and Baptism of Saul
Score & audio. A seven-minute liturgical drama.
A Thanksgiving for Light
Dirksen’s Bernstein phase.
The Annunciation Story
Score & audio. A liturgical drama with many performance options – Elizabeth’s Song is first-rate.
A Celebration of the Transfiguration
Score & audio. This material has many components in various styles and can be used in many different forms.
Introit and Antiphon for the Feast of the Transfiguration
The Ballad of the Transfiguration
Once sung. never forgotten.
The Raising of Lazarus
Score & audio. A mini-cantata, especially suitable for V Lent in Year A. Dirksen deploys all his dramatic skill at Lazare, veni foras.