Abstract
Three composers, composing in the Western choral genre were identified to commission pieces by Johann van der Sandt, conductor and professor in Choral Conducting, University of Pretoria for the Tuks Camerata's concert tour to the eastern seaboard of the United States, during December 2004. The three composers were Niel van der Watt, Hendrik Hofmeyr and Chris Lamprecht. The composers were specifically chosen because of their different compositional styles in order to demonstrate the different styles of compositions from South African composers composing in the Western style.
The four works were commissioned by Johann van der Sandt and received their international premieres during December 2004 in the United States of America. The highlight of this concert tour was the performance of Bach's Magnificat together with an especially composed piece by a Hendrik Hofmeyr, South African composer, A Carol Cantata, (texts from the carols "Hodie Christus natus est" and "I Sing of a Maiden", John Attey, D.J. Opperman [English translation]). The other three works formed part of the choir's a capella programme presented to American audiences in Boston, New York, New Canaan, Stanford and Philadelphia.
The four works are:
* "A Carol Cantata", (texts from the carols Hodie Christus natus est and I Sing of a Maiden, John Attey, D.J. Opperman [English translation]), soprano, mixed chorus, string orchestra (2004) by Hendrik Hofmeyr
* "Woonplek van die wysheid" by Chris Lamprecht
* "Because of you" by Niel van der Watt
* "Super Flumina Babylonis" by Hendrik Hofmeyr Hendrik Hofmeyr has an extremely liberal style of composition, whereas Chris Lamprecht has a very conservative compositional style. Niel van der Watt's style reminds one of the Nee-Romantic compositional style, he believes that music should reach directly the aural understanding and emotions of performer and listener.
Through the commissioning of pieces, it is aimed for to make a contribution to the collection and development of South African choral music. Not only is it important for South African composers to receive commissions in order for them to develop their compositional styles, but it is also important that conductors present new works to the singers in order to develop their singing arid interpretational skills. The conductor of an ensemble has furthermore the obligation to develop and enhance the knowledge and listening skills of the ensemble's audiences.