Josh Rodriguez’s This Breathless Earth is a daring and evocative work for advanced unaccompanied SATB choir. Setting an imaginative poem by Malcolm Guite, the piece enters the fear and breathlessness of the disciples after the death of Christ and moves gradually toward release, peace, and renewed hope. Rhythmized speech, whispered consonants, and ethereal harmonies combine to create a vivid programmatic. Dramatic and deeply affecting, this is a powerful concert work for choirs.
