Whether preparing a Valentines Day concert or for any romantic time of year, the catalog of Stephen Paulus is steeped in love songs for everyone. The catalog includes simple love songs, complex arrangements and even works in spanish, for chamber instrumentation, chorus and more. Brighten the holiday or add some heart to your next program with these beautiful gems for the soul and lovers alike.
Arise My Love
A Paulus family favorite, this beautiful, mystic piece was commissioned by the Westminster Choir College and recorded by Matt Culloton's The Singers. It's a 5 minute piece with a huge dynamic range and a soul stirring Hebrew text. SSAATTBB, A Cappella
Courtship Songs
This lovely piece for flute, oboe, cello and piano, runs the course of two lovers' courtship over five spritely, upbeat movements. Commissioned by Linda and Jack Hoeschler and premiered in 1981, the modern harmonies and quick movement are still as relevant today as they were when first heard.
Poemas de Amor
Paulus set this anonymous 16th Century Spanish text of love poems to SSAATTBB chorus with percussion for a commission and premiere by the illustrious Conspirare, under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson. It is both joyous and somber, full of longing and lush nostalgia. The beautiful, sweeping choral melodies are perfectly complimented by all types of percussion, from bells to marimba.
The Lotus Lovers
Commissioned by the illustrious Mary Rodgers and Hank Guettel for Chanticleer, this gorgeous piece is stepped in love and eroticism over 7 short movements, and showcases a beautiful 4th Century Japanese text. 16 minutes, SSAATTBB, A Cappella.
Erotic Spirits
This lush piece written for Soprano and Orchestra, (with an option for piano reduction), was premiered by the incomparable Deborah Voigt and the Augusta Symphony in 2006. It's jam packed with high energy sections with pounding brass and tympani, and complimented with soft, sweet string and woodwind sections. The sophisticated eroticism flows throughout every movement. This piece is a must and totally accessible with the piano reduction if a full orchestra is not at your fingertips.
Love Lives Beyond the Tomb
This piece is a touching display of how love is everlasting, even in death. The sweeping choral melodies and lush harmony drive this point home in a beautiful, dynamic way. Premiered in 2007 with a text by John Clare, SSAATTBB, A Cappella
