The Classical Compositions of Composer/Conductor Bob Ingalls

The Mass of Hope: (February, 2018) - This Mass setting for SSATBB Choir and Chamber Orchestra is based on the "Messe Royale" Gregorian Chant Mass by the late Renaissance composer Henry du Mont's (1610-1684) that appeared in the 1903 Solesmes "Liber Usualis" (Mocquereau). Using contemporary harmonies, the Ingalls' "Mass of Hope" incorporates late Renaissance styling by utilizing the chant thematically, as a subject of polyphony and, in the Kyrie, as a cantus firmus.

The Kyrie & Gloria from this Mass (under the title "Kyrie & Gloria Royale") was awarded 3rd place in the prestigious 14th International Composition Competition Jihlava 2018 at the 60th Festival of International Choral Art held in Jihlava, Czech Republic in May of 2018. To quote the announcement, "we look forward to a performance of the work at an upcoming year of the Choir Festival in Jihlava". more award info

Du Mont's "Messe Royale" was originally published in the 1660 manuscript Cinq Messes en plein-chant and later in the "Liber Usualis". In that same year of 1660, during the reign of Louis XIV, Henri du Mont was offered the post as harpsichordist to the young queen Marie-Therese; ascending to the position of "maitre" or choir master of the Chapelle Royale in Versailles in 1663. more du Mont info

Kyrie: - Beautifully melodic, the "Kyrie" from the Mass of Hope utilizes the du Mont chant both thematically and in cantus firmus. du Mont Kyrie chant

Gloria: - Opening with an intoned chant, the "Gloria" alternates between glorious choral passages and intense rhythmic expressions. du Mont Gloria chant

Credo: - Also opening with an intoned chant, the "Credo" makes use of the original chant both thematically and through polyphony. du Mont Credo chant

Sanctus: - The chant serves as the basis for a wonderful harmonic treatment characterized by choral passages that build and recede. du Mont Sanctus chant

Agnus Dei: - The prayerful "Agnus Dei" begins softly and gradually crescendos to an intense peak before slowly falling away as does the original du Mont chant. du Mont Agnus Dei chant

Veritas: (July 14, 2017) - Based on an 1161 Gregorian melody, this composition for SATB Mixed Choir with limited divisi was recently awarded 3rd place from 114 entries in the celebrated 2017 Malta International Choir Festival Composition Competition. This composition was written by the composer as a reaction to the assault on truth presently occurring in the US political sphere. The text is based on Psalm 85 verse 11 (the sixth antiphon of Matins for Christmas Day) and Thomas Hughes 1823 text "O God of Truth" as it appeared in the 1929 English Church Hymnary. The composition emphasizes the close connection between truth and justice, and the necessity to "Set up Thy standard, Lord, that we Who claim a heavenly birth, May march with Thee to smite the lies That vex Thy groaning earth". more info

Mother Earth Cries Out!: (January, 2016) - Inspired by the Laudato si' encyclical of Pope Francis, this dramatic composition for Mixed Choir and orchestra with featured speaker is written from the viewpoint of Mother Earth who observes and comments on the treatment she is receiving from all who interact with her. It was chosen as one of six "Special Mentions" in the large-scale work category of the prestigious 2017 International Composition Competition "Maurice Ravel" (April 24, 2016) . more info testimonials

More info on 'Ave Maria for Choir & Strings'

Ave Maria for Choir and Strings: (March, 2015) - A passionate setting of the Ave Maria, this composition won the May, 2015 Sacrarium International Sacred Music Composition Competition in L'viv, Ukraine. It features 3 antiphonal soprano soloists and full string orchestra. more info testimonials

Spanish Cradle Carol: (October, 2011) - This live performance of the Spanish Carol composed by Bob Ingalls for the Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale's 2011 Christmas Concert entitled "Peace & Joy", was also conducted by the composer. It is written for choir, piano and cello and is based on "A La Nanita" words by Normal Luboff and "Vocalise-Etude" by Maurice Ravel. The cellist on this recording is Roberta Downey, cellist with the Seattle Symphony. more info

Magnificat: (February, 2009) - This is a recording of the live performance of this acapella choral anthem for Men's Choir, Woman's Choir and soloists as performed by the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Choir at its premiere in Feb, 2009. The featured tenor is Tom Reis, and the solo sopranos are Barb Erickson and Anne Quinn. more info

more info on the play 'The Way to bethlehem'

Scene 5 from "The Way to Bethlehem": (Dec, 2002)- Based on a Schubert Piano Sonata, this dramatic setting for flute, cello and piano was originally written as underscoring for scene 5 of the play "The Way to Bethlehem". more info