Anima et Spiritus - Nicholas White (2022) played by Mary Dolch

Anima et Spiritus (The Soul and The Spirit) was composed on May 1st, 2022, and is dedicated to Mary Dolch, in gratitude for her six years as a faculty member at St. Paul’s School, and as Associate Director of Chapel Music in The Chapel of St. Peter & St. Paul.

The music is based upon Traditional D minor setting of Martin Luther's German Magnificat, which is a particular German version of the ninth tone or Tonus Peregrinus. Also included is a brief quote from the beginning of Herbert Howells’ Magnificat from the St. Paul’s Service, a piece which Mary was rehearsing with the Chapel Choir of St. Paul’s School just prior to the great derailing of 2020, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tempo directions throughout are chosen as a tribute to the many and varied qualities so evident in Mary’s personality, and from which her students and colleagues have benefited over the years. The piece works through a wide variety of rhythms and textures, utilizing the full range of tonal and dynamic resources available on the 1930 Skinner Organ, Op. 825 which is housed in The Chapel of St. Peter & St. Paul. It culminates in a grand hymn in five-four time, played on the foundations of the organ, and coming to a gentle and ethereal conclusion on the string and flute pipes.

Mary Dolch recorded this in the chapel on June 2, 2022.