“Como la Virtud Quita El Vicio / How Virtue Conquers Vice” from St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass (for Original and Concert Arrangement)

($2 per singer + $10 for accompaniment)

This product includes a full score, choral score, and percussion score.

The Admonitions of St. Francis of Assisi were specific interpretations of biblical passages meant to help his followers find practical applications of biblical wisdom. Though several manuscripts exist, scholars cannot specific attribute these words to Francis although they carry with them the profound spirit of humility that permeates his other writings. In this short piece for women’s choir, Francis’ words are set to a simple melody with percussion ostinato. This poem is translated into Spanish to honor the impact that this language has had in Latin America. This piece functions as a transition between the larger movements of St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass. Depending on your concert, it may be programmed in a variety of places in the order.

This original arrangement of the St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass(SATB, Steel band-includes 4 steel pan parts & percussion)– premiered 1992.  This 45-minute world music Mass explores the mixing of African, Spanish, and Indigenous cultures in the Caribbean.  Writings by St. Francis of Assisi are woven into the fabric of the traditional Latin Mass and framed by vibrant rhythms (samba, salsa, calypso, and more).  The Kyrie from this Mass has enjoyed an extensive performance history in the US (including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the World Symposium of Choral Musicians in Minneapolis) and around the world.  Anton Armstrong of St. Olaf University, André Thomas of Florida State University, and Francisco Núñez of the Young People’s Chorus of NYC (and MacArthur Award Winner) are among some of the finest conductors to champion this work.  This work is highly adaptable to both concert and liturgical settings. A reduced arrangement is available with one steel drum, piano, percussion. Some movements available in SSA and TTB – contact McClure Productions for more information.