Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty

To describe this amazing work is something akin to trying to explain why seeing children and puppies playing or a stunning sunrise brings a smile and brightens your day. Liz has taken this wonderful hymn and developed it into an engaging work that will dance its way into your very heart and soul. Techniques are mostly ring, LV, pluck or gently-malleted bells on table, TD and RT. Written in 3/4 time, her clever use of duple and triple meter makes the notes virtually dance right off the table! The melody is always present and sometimes syncopated. There is a strong jazz-like feel as this work combines classic and Baroque structures, landing it firmly in the “Contemporary Classic” or 20th century ‘crossover’ genre. It is a bit challenging rhythmically, but the notes are accessible and there are not many accidentals. It begins in B-flat major and contains some nicely-crafted key changes which happen seamlessly. There is little if any redundancy so every single note matters throughout.  

This is truly an outstanding new work that every advanced group will want to include in their concert and worship repertoire.