Guy Forbes

Dr. Guy Forbes served as the Associate Conductor of Choirs at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois until his retirement in 2019. In his many years at Millikin, he was instrumental in the growth of the choral music program from three traditional choirs to six traditional choirs and a variety of smaller vocal ensembles. Dr. Forbes received the M.M. in conducting from Florida State University and the Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Florida. He began writing choral music in 2005.

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Website: www.guyforbes.com

 

O Nata Lux - Vanguard Premieres Contest 2006 (Winner - General Category)

When I decided to set the “O Nata Lux” text to music, I consciously decided to take a different approach to the text than some composers of late. I focused on the idea of “light born of light”rather than something more akin to the “mystery of birth.” The opening material of the piece is therefore, in a sense, a depiction of light breaking upon the world in vibrant, visible way. The following section, “dinare clemens supplicum,” has the melodic material divided between several parts. The idea here is that although we come together to ask God that our praises and prayers be deemed worthy and accepted, we make these requests as individuals. The picture, if you will, is of a group standing before God with each individually making his/her request, but with all echoing the thoughts and prayers of the others. (Notes by the composer, 2006)

O nata lux de lumine,
Jesu redemptor saeculi,
dignare clemens supplicum
laudes preces que sumere.
Qui carne quondam contegi
dignatus es pro perditis,
Nos membra confer effici,
tui beati corporis.

O born light of light,
Jesus, redeemer of the world,
mercifully deem worthy and accept
the praises and prayers of your supplicants.
Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh
for the sake of the lost ones,
grant us to be made members
of your holy body.