In addition to his sacred catalog, Paulus wrote many secular large choral works that have been performed all over the world. Paulus was a true master at writing for the voice.
Voices
The aptly titled voices, is a 35 minute piece for chorus and orchestra with text by Rainier Maria Rilke, premiered in 1998. SSAATTBB Chorus, Tenor and Mezzo-Soprano soloists, 3333/4331, Timpani, Percussion, Harp and Strings
Voices of Light
With moving text by 13th Century Women Mystics, this bombshell of a piece was premiered in 2001 by the New York Philharmonic and the Westminster Choir College (under the direction of Joseph Flummerfelt) for the Westminster Choir College at Rider University's 75th anniversary. 22 minutes, SSAATTBB and Orchestra
Brown Penny
Commissioned by the Madison Boy Choir and premiered by MBC and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in 1998, this piece includes text by Blake, Richard Edwards, Yeats, and Wordsworth. 21 minutes, Treble Choir and Chamber Orchestra
A Place of Hope
Commissioned by the Mayo Foundation, the perfectly titled A Place of Hope, was premiered by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester. It was performed as the dedication of the Gonda Building at the Mayo Clinic. The 15 minute piece includes text by the composer himself! SSAATTBB Chorus and Strings, Timpani, Percussion and Piano
North Shore
The North Shore on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota is where Paulus spent many summers in his youth. This stunning piece written in 1977, showcases Paulus' early talent and features text my lifetime collaborator, Michael Dennis Browne. It perfectly depicts the otherworldly feeling of the North Shore and shortly after his passing was brought to life again by Phillip Brunelle's VocalEssence and the Minnesota Orchestra. SSAATTBB Chorus, Baritone and Mezzo-Soprano soloists and small orchestra