In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, composer Ben Yarmolinsky has set the entire text to be sung by five soloists and SATB chorus, with piano accompaniment.  

The piece is a half hour long and is in five movements:

• 1. Opening

• 2. Grievances 1-12

• 3. Grievances 13-22

• 4. Grievances 23-27

• 5. Conclusion.

It is written in an 18th-century style modeled on Handel’s oratorios. There are arias, recitatives, choruses, a duet, an a cappella passage, a fugue, and instrumental interludes. While the five solo parts call for professional singers, the choral parts are suitable for a good community or college chorus. 

There are plans for orchestrated versions of the piece, for small ensemble, for full orchestra and for band. These and other combinations may be commissioned from the composer. 

For score rentals and more information: ben.yarmolinsky@gmail.com

You may hear the piece on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_xRcNCElxg&t=1432s.

Featuring: Lydia Saylor-soprano; Tess Klibanoff-mezzo-soprano; Blake Friedman-tenor; Michael Kelly-baritone; Blake Brooks-bass; with Bob Goldstone music director/pianist.