Musical Compositions

 
James Siddons, composer, author, pianist

James Siddons composes for piano, organ, choir, English handbells, and various chamber ensembles. Most of his work is suitable for worship and other church events. The following list is a selection and will be changed from time to time to list other compositions.

Currently Featured Compositions

• Plainfield Tune. For piano or organ solo. This meditative solo combines the American hymn tune "Plainfield," best known as the melody of the hymn "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus," with the adapted accompaniment of the aria "Quando corpus morietur" in the Stabat Mater of G. B. Pergolesi (Italy, 1736). The quiet yet awe-inspiring character of this music is appropriate for Communion; a dal segno repeat allows as many repeats of the work as occasion requires. Recorded on the CD "Reflections on Favorite Hymns" (Major MGR-1578).
• Psalm 130: Aus tiefer Not. This anthem (SSATB and organ or piano) is a choral fantasia on the Reformation hymn "Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee" based on Psalm 130. The text is Catherine Winkworth's translation of Martin Luther's versification of Psalm 130, known in the Latin liturgy as the De Profundis. The tune also is attributed to Martin Luther, as it appeared in Johann Walther's chorale-book of 1524. This setting by James Siddons draws on 15th-century Flemish polyphony and soft jazz major-seventh chords for its harmonic idiom. Soprano I may be sung by boy sopranos. Duration: about 4 minutes.
•      This anthem is cited by Dr. Denise Dombkowski Hopkins of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., in her Journey Through the Psalms (St. Louis (USA): Chalice Press, 2002 revised edition): "In Psalm 130, we have 'the miserable cry of a nobody from nowhere. The cry penetrates the veil of heaven! It is heard and received' [W. Brueggeman, The Message of the Psalms (Augsburg Press, 1984, p. 104]. The good news of the Bible is encapsulated here in that God's ear is especially tuned to cries from the depths. Dr. James D. Siddons has composed powerful music for Psalm 130, known in the Latin liturgy as 'De Profundis.' His 'Psalm 130: Aus tiefer Not' is an anthem for full choir and organ based on the Reformation chorale 'Out of the Depths' " [page 101; on page 173, footnote 45, Prof. Hopkins provides further details about this anthem].
• Now With My Song. For mezzo-soprano, one or more liturgical dancers, and piano. Movement II of the cantata Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. James Siddons has prepared a new translation of Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7 for this setting that is appropriate for worship or recital performance.
• English Handbell Arrangements.  Three octaves: O Come, O Come Emmanuel / More Love to Thee / Just a Closer Walk with Thee.  Two soloists and piano or organ: We Three Kings. Soloist and piano or organ: Were You There?

Purchasing Information

Scores of musical works by James Siddons may be purchased and downloaded at www.SibeliusMusic.com ; find and click on James Siddons in the alphabetical list of composers. You will also be able to send e-mail enquiries about purchase and performance.