Official site of composer Andrea Clearfield. Biography, list of works with audio, score samples, reviews and program notes, photographs, upcoming performances.
Dream Variations (SATB, flute, viola, harp, organ – 2008), 22 min.
Commissioned by The Debussy Trio
“You must program Dream Variations with your choirs!”
–Grant Gershon, Music Director, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Les Fenêtres (SATB, soprano and mezzo soprano soloists with chamber orchestra or piano; 2011), 16 min.
Commissioned by Singing City
Tse Go La (At the threshold of this life) (SATB and SSA choirs) chamber orchestra or reduced scoring with piano, 2012), 32 min.
Commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir
Into the Blue (SATB, flute, vibes or marimba, piano; SATB, flute and piano; SATB and piano; 2008), 8 min.
Commissioned by the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware
“Everyone loved your piece – - I found it fresh, insightful, lyrical, and beautifully crafted. And, so hard to find – - a piece that sounds more difficult than it is, achieves terrific power without being incredibly challenging.”
–Lee Kesselman, Artistic Director, The DuPage Chorale
“The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware commissioned both the poem and the music of Into the Blue for its 10th anniversary concert. Andrea masterfully set Susan Windle’s poem. The singers enjoyed Andrea’s entire creative process, from conception, to sketch, and finally to manuscript. Her visits with the ensemble were warm and inviting, and she always left the singers feeling empowered. The music is complex and rewarding without being abjectly difficult, and it is a work that choirs at all levels can perform with pride and strength.”
–Stephen Caldwell, Artistic Director, The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware
Poet of the Body and the Soul (SATB, piano, 2012), 9 min.
Commissioned by The College of New Jersey Chorale, John Leonard, artistic director
“Poet of the Body and the Soul was the first commission by The College of New Jersey Chorale, and what a fantastic commissioning experience it was! Working with Andrea gives your musicians the experience of music-making in its purist form. It was an absolute joy for my ensemble, pianist and myself to bring her amazing setting of Whitman’s text to life. Andrea’s passionate music and spirit inspired each of us to give our very best to each performance. This is a piece that you cannot wait to share with your audience!”
—John P. Leonard, Director, The College of New Jersey Chorale
Farlorn Alemen (SATB, piano, 2010), 7 1/2 min.
Commissioned by Nashirah
“It was immediately clear that Andrea understood Nashirah and our hopes for this commission. Her suggestion of a choral setting of the Yiddish Holocaust poem “Farlorn Alemen” was completely in harmony with Nashirah’s mission and esthetic. We knew we had not commissioned a mere choral piece, but a relevant and contemporary piece of art. Andrea’s music is a reflective and deeply moving commentary on the Holocaust, and should be a permanent piece of the Holocaust artistic canon. It was an honor to premiere this challenging and rewarding work, and we are deeply fortunate to have been a part of its creation.”
“The music’s broadly drawn strokes touched emotional bases as only music can. It was bound to make the audience jump up and cheer at the end. And it did.”
–David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 29, 2008
“What an incredible experience this has been, for me and for the chorus! We have really enjoyed the process and are looking forward to a stellar premier tomorrow evening! I’m greatly looking forward to conducting this work, and the impact it will have on our St. Louis audience! Thank you for this tremendous work.”
–Kevin McBeth, Associate Conductor, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Fire and Ice (sop. and bar. solos, SATB, orchestra – 2007), 46 min.
Commissioned by the Handel Society of Dartmouth College
“Fire and Ice was commissioned by the Handel Society in celebration of their bicentennial anniversary. This moving cantata is the first major setting of poetry by Robert Frost since the 1955 setting of Frostiana by Randall Thompson. Andrea’s writing is sensitive, intuitive, and deeply personal. Her commitment to the poet’s intent and colorful, intriguing orchestrations combined with the meticulous care she took when writing for the human voice allowed for Fire and Ice to become a significantly rewarding experience for both the performers and audience alike.”
–Robert Duff, Conductor, Handel Society of Dartmouth College
The Golem Psalms (bar. solo, SATB, orchestra – 2006), 30 min.
Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club
“Among the many large, choral/orchestra works commissioned by Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia in the past 20 years, Andrea Clearfield’s THE GOLEM PSALMS is one of the most compelling. Beautifully written for both choral and orchestral forces, it has a direct and powerful impact and it remains a favorite of our performers and our audience. The solo role of the baritone, as the Golem, is brilliant. This is a perfectly balanced piece. Working with Andrea is a conductor’s dream!”
–Alan Harler, Music Director, The Mendelssohn Club
The River of God (SATB, organ – 2003), 7 min.
Commissioned by the American Guild of Organists
“Learning and performing The River of God was an immense pleasure. For once, a new piece that was challenging, but, where the challenges were satisfying, not frustrating. The work itself has a tremendous sense of direction with a glorious climax. I fell in love with Clearfield’s work, thanks to The River of God.”
–Jeffrey Brillhart, Music Director, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and Singing City Choir
"Set to a poem Maya Angelou wrote for President Clinton’s inauguration, On the Pulse of Morning might be thought of as a secular oratorio. Hopeful and substantive, Clearfield layers an emotional story over Angelou’s. The composer crafts some beautiful and strong melodies…”
–Peter Dobrin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 1996.
Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (sop. and bar. solos, SATB, cello, piano – 1992), 7 min.
For Voces Novae et Antiquae
Diary of Justyna (sop. solo, SATB, saxophone, 2 keyboards, percussion – 1988), 30 min.
Collaborative work with Manfred Fischbeck
Treble Chorus
The Long Bright (sop. solo, SSAA women’s or children’s chorus, also suitable for intergenerational treble chorus, orchestra – 2004), 60 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
“An hour-long cantata on a husband’s poetic response to the death of his wife from breast cancer might have been maudlin and depressing. Instead, this is a terrific piece, uplifting, optimistic, hopeful, featuring a wonderful part for children’s chorus, and a virtuosic role for solo soprano, sung beautifully at the work’s premiere with Orchestra 2001 – surely one of our most successful premieres ever – by the extraordinary Hila Plitmann.”
–James Freeman, Artistic Director, Orchestra 2001
““I really can’t express what a glorious job (Clearfield) has done and how defined … and moving it is,” said Hila Plitmann, a soprano singer who will be the featured soloist in the concert. “There are parts of the piece that are very hard to get through because they are so moving, both lyrically and musically. The combination of the two is just so iridescent and full of light and beauty that you want to start crying yourself while you’re practicing.””
–Hila Plitmann, Grammy award winning soprano in the Daily Bruin, Los Angeles, March 15, 2010
“The Long Bright” (excerpt from the cantata, arr. for SSAA women’s or children’s chorus, piano – 2004), 5 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
Tse Go La (At the threshold of this life) (SATB and SSA choruses, large chamber ensemble; treble choir movements may be excerpted, 2012), 32 min.
Commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir
Shar Ki Ri (Mountain in the east) Treble chorus (SSA) with piano or piano and percussion– 2012), 4:00 min. Sung in Tibetan.
Co-commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and Pennsylvania Girlchoir
The Shape of my Soul (SSAA, suitable for high school or women’s chorus with string quartet or piano – 2005), 7:30 min.
Commissioned by the Anna Crusis Women’s Choir
Farlorn Alemen (Losing Everybody),Women’s chorus: SSAA and piano – 2008, arr. 2012), 7 1/2 min.
For Yael Resnick
Jocheved (mezzo solo, SSA, narrator, flute, percussion, piano – 2000, arr. 2002), 5:49 min.
Commissioned by the Women’s Sacred Music Project
Sarah (soprano solo, SSA, narrator, flute, percussion, piano – 2000, arr. 2002), 7 min.
Commissioned by the Women’s Sacred Music Project
Men’s Chorus
Our Better Angels (ten. and bar. solos, TTBB, 4 trumpets, 4 horns, 3 trombones, (2 tenor, 1 bass), tuba, 2 percussion, harp, organ – 2009), 40 min.
Commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale
“Andrea Clearfield has an uncanny way of capturing the very deepest essence of the texts she sets. OUR BETTER ANGELS is a wonderful example of pairing intense, rich poetry with passionate, fiery music. Singers attach themselves to the words and melodies quickly, and are able to provide nuance early on in the preparation. The complex rhythmic intensity in the orchestration helped make our performances thrilling for singer and audience member alike.”
–Jonathan Palant, Artistic Director, The Turtle Creek Chorale
“Simply Love Them” from Our Better Angels (arr. for ten. and bar. solos, TTBB, piano – 2009), 5 min.
Commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale
Choral Works
To order music, contact Andrea Clearfield unless otherwise indicated:
Click on individual piece names for detailed information including audio files, program notes and score excerpts
©Mark Stehle Photography
SATB Chorus
Dream Variations (SATB, flute, viola, harp, organ – 2008), 22 min.
Commissioned by The Debussy Trio
“You must program Dream Variations with your choirs!”
–Grant Gershon, Music Director, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Les Fenêtres (SATB, soprano and mezzo soprano soloists with chamber orchestra or piano; 2011), 16 min.
Commissioned by Singing City
Tse Go La (At the threshold of this life) (SATB and SSA choirs) chamber orchestra or reduced scoring with piano, 2012), 32 min.
Commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir
Into the Blue (SATB, flute, vibes or marimba, piano; SATB, flute and piano; SATB and piano; 2008), 8 min.
Commissioned by the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware
“Everyone loved your piece – - I found it fresh, insightful, lyrical, and beautifully crafted. And, so hard to find – - a piece that sounds more difficult than it is, achieves terrific power without being incredibly challenging.”
–Lee Kesselman, Artistic Director, The DuPage Chorale
“The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware commissioned both the poem and the music of Into the Blue for its 10th anniversary concert. Andrea masterfully set Susan Windle’s poem. The singers enjoyed Andrea’s entire creative process, from conception, to sketch, and finally to manuscript. Her visits with the ensemble were warm and inviting, and she always left the singers feeling empowered. The music is complex and rewarding without being abjectly difficult, and it is a work that choirs at all levels can perform with pride and strength.”
–Stephen Caldwell, Artistic Director, The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware
Poet of the Body and the Soul (SATB, piano, 2012), 9 min.
Commissioned by The College of New Jersey Chorale, John Leonard, artistic director
“Poet of the Body and the Soul was the first commission by The College of New Jersey Chorale, and what a fantastic commissioning experience it was! Working with Andrea gives your musicians the experience of music-making in its purist form. It was an absolute joy for my ensemble, pianist and myself to bring her amazing setting of Whitman’s text to life. Andrea’s passionate music and spirit inspired each of us to give our very best to each performance. This is a piece that you cannot wait to share with your audience!”
—John P. Leonard, Director, The College of New Jersey Chorale
Farlorn Alemen (SATB, piano, 2010), 7 1/2 min.
Commissioned by Nashirah
“It was immediately clear that Andrea understood Nashirah and our hopes for this commission. Her suggestion of a choral setting of the Yiddish Holocaust poem “Farlorn Alemen” was completely in harmony with Nashirah’s mission and esthetic. We knew we had not commissioned a mere choral piece, but a relevant and contemporary piece of art. Andrea’s music is a reflective and deeply moving commentary on the Holocaust, and should be a permanent piece of the Holocaust artistic canon. It was an honor to premiere this challenging and rewarding work, and we are deeply fortunate to have been a part of its creation.”
–Jonathan Coopersmith, Artistic Director, Nashirah
Three Tenses of Light (SATB and string quartet or SATB and piano; 2012), 8:18 min.
Commissioned by the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival
Kabo Omowale (Welcome Home Child) (SATB, narrator, orchestra – 2008), 18 min.
Commissioned by The Philadelphia Orchestra
“The music’s broadly drawn strokes touched emotional bases as only music can. It was bound to make the audience jump up and cheer at the end. And it did.”
–David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 29, 2008
“What an incredible experience this has been, for me and for the chorus! We have really enjoyed the process and are looking forward to a stellar premier tomorrow evening! I’m greatly looking forward to conducting this work, and the impact it will have on our St. Louis audience! Thank you for this tremendous work.”
–Kevin McBeth, Associate Conductor, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Fire and Ice (sop. and bar. solos, SATB, orchestra – 2007), 46 min.
Commissioned by the Handel Society of Dartmouth College
“Fire and Ice was commissioned by the Handel Society in celebration of their bicentennial anniversary. This moving cantata is the first major setting of poetry by Robert Frost since the 1955 setting of Frostiana by Randall Thompson. Andrea’s writing is sensitive, intuitive, and deeply personal. Her commitment to the poet’s intent and colorful, intriguing orchestrations combined with the meticulous care she took when writing for the human voice allowed for Fire and Ice to become a significantly rewarding experience for both the performers and audience alike.”
–Robert Duff, Conductor, Handel Society of Dartmouth College
The Golem Psalms (bar. solo, SATB, orchestra – 2006), 30 min.
Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club
“Among the many large, choral/orchestra works commissioned by Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia in the past 20 years, Andrea Clearfield’s THE GOLEM PSALMS is one of the most compelling. Beautifully written for both choral and orchestral forces, it has a direct and powerful impact and it remains a favorite of our performers and our audience. The solo role of the baritone, as the Golem, is brilliant. This is a perfectly balanced piece. Working with Andrea is a conductor’s dream!”
–Alan Harler, Music Director, The Mendelssohn Club
The River of God (SATB, organ – 2003), 7 min.
Commissioned by the American Guild of Organists
“Learning and performing The River of God was an immense pleasure. For once, a new piece that was challenging, but, where the challenges were satisfying, not frustrating. The work itself has a tremendous sense of direction with a glorious climax. I fell in love with Clearfield’s work, thanks to The River of God.”
–Jeffrey Brillhart, Music Director, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and Singing City Choir
To the Thawing Wind from “Fire and Ice” to poetry by Robert Frost (SATB, piano, 2007), 5 min.
Commissioned by The Handel Society of Dartmouth College, Robert Duff, conductor
October from “Fire and Ice” to poetry by Robert Frost (SATB, piano, 2007), 6 min.
Commissioned by The Handel Society of Dartmouth College, Robert Duff, conductor
Stars from “Fire and Ice” to poetry by Robert Frost (SATB, piano, 2007), 6 min.
Commissioned by The Handel Society of Dartmouth College, Robert Duff, conductor
Awake at Dawn (sop. solo, SATB, flute, percussion, harp, strings – 2000), 15 min.
Commissioned by The Music Group of Philadelphia
"Andrea Clearfield composed a sweet exoticism…. I loved the work.”
–Peter Dobrin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 16, 2000
On the Pulse of Morning (sop. and bar. solos, SATB, chamber orch. – 1994), 30 min.
"Set to a poem Maya Angelou wrote for President Clinton’s inauguration, On the Pulse of Morning might be thought of as a secular oratorio. Hopeful and substantive, Clearfield layers an emotional story over Angelou’s. The composer crafts some beautiful and strong melodies…”
–Peter Dobrin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 1996.
Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (sop. and bar. solos, SATB, cello, piano – 1992), 7 min.
For Voces Novae et Antiquae
Diary of Justyna (sop. solo, SATB, saxophone, 2 keyboards, percussion – 1988), 30 min.
Collaborative work with Manfred Fischbeck
Treble Chorus
The Long Bright (sop. solo, SSAA women’s or children’s chorus, also suitable for intergenerational treble chorus, orchestra – 2004), 60 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
“An hour-long cantata on a husband’s poetic response to the death of his wife from breast cancer might have been maudlin and depressing. Instead, this is a terrific piece, uplifting, optimistic, hopeful, featuring a wonderful part for children’s chorus, and a virtuosic role for solo soprano, sung beautifully at the work’s premiere with Orchestra 2001 – surely one of our most successful premieres ever – by the extraordinary Hila Plitmann.”
–James Freeman, Artistic Director, Orchestra 2001
““I really can’t express what a glorious job (Clearfield) has done and how defined … and moving it is,” said Hila Plitmann, a soprano singer who will be the featured soloist in the concert. “There are parts of the piece that are very hard to get through because they are so moving, both lyrically and musically. The combination of the two is just so iridescent and full of light and beauty that you want to start crying yourself while you’re practicing.””
–Hila Plitmann, Grammy award winning soprano in the Daily Bruin, Los Angeles, March 15, 2010
“The Long Bright” (excerpt from the cantata, arr. for SSAA women’s or children’s chorus, piano – 2004), 5 min.
Commissioned by David Wolman
Tse Go La (At the threshold of this life) (SATB and SSA choruses, large chamber ensemble; treble choir movements may be excerpted, 2012), 32 min.
Commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir
Shar Ki Ri (Mountain in the east) Treble chorus (SSA) with piano or piano and percussion– 2012), 4:00 min. Sung in Tibetan.
Co-commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and Pennsylvania Girlchoir
The Shape of my Soul (SSAA, suitable for high school or women’s chorus with string quartet or piano – 2005), 7:30 min.
Commissioned by the Anna Crusis Women’s Choir
Farlorn Alemen (Losing Everybody),Women’s chorus: SSAA and piano – 2008, arr. 2012), 7 1/2 min.
For Yael Resnick
Jocheved (mezzo solo, SSA, narrator, flute, percussion, piano – 2000, arr. 2002), 5:49 min.
Commissioned by the Women’s Sacred Music Project
Sarah (soprano solo, SSA, narrator, flute, percussion, piano – 2000, arr. 2002), 7 min.
Commissioned by the Women’s Sacred Music Project
Men’s Chorus
Our Better Angels (ten. and bar. solos, TTBB, 4 trumpets, 4 horns, 3 trombones, (2 tenor, 1 bass), tuba, 2 percussion, harp, organ – 2009), 40 min.
Commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale
“Andrea Clearfield has an uncanny way of capturing the very deepest essence of the texts she sets. OUR BETTER ANGELS is a wonderful example of pairing intense, rich poetry with passionate, fiery music. Singers attach themselves to the words and melodies quickly, and are able to provide nuance early on in the preparation. The complex rhythmic intensity in the orchestration helped make our performances thrilling for singer and audience member alike.”
–Jonathan Palant, Artistic Director, The Turtle Creek Chorale
“Simply Love Them” from Our Better Angels (arr. for ten. and bar. solos, TTBB, piano – 2009), 5 min.
Commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale