Simeon Stephan
(05. 05. 1927 - 18. 12. 2017)
Simeon Stephan
(BL)
(BL)
Genre: Classical Music
Biography
* 05. 05. 1927, † 18. 12. 2017.
Stephan Simeon was born in Lucerne where he was also educated to undergraduate level and where he acquired his first musical tuition.
Alongside his studies in theology he completed musical studies at the academy of music in Zurich, the School for Church Music in Lucerne and the State School for Music in Freiburg im Breisgau.
Simeon gained his diploma as choir master and organist and a certificate in composition under the tutelage of prof. Wolfgang Fortner.
1967 until 1987 - Teaches counterpoint, liturgical organ playing and conducting at the Academy for School and Church Music in Lucerne
1979 until 1991 - Manages the 'Jugendsingwochen' of the 'Engadiner Kantorei' at the Laudinella Centre for Culture in St. Moritz
Stephan Simeon concerted profusely with his choirs, most particularly in the field of a-cappella choir music.
Until the year 2000 he led choir singing weeks in St Moritz and St. Gerold/Vorarlberg, co-worked until 2001 on various church musical boards and, since then, has dedicated himself almost exclusively to the activity of composition. His opus encompasses small and large works for choir and organ, partly with instrumental and orchestral accompaniment and primarily in the areas of ecclesiastical and liturgical music but includes, at sporadic intervals, lieder and works for orchestra. The manner of his compositions leans heavily toward the 12-tone and serial music techniques with particular preference for a contrapuntal, polyphonal texture.
Stephan Simeon was born in Lucerne where he was also educated to undergraduate level and where he acquired his first musical tuition.
Alongside his studies in theology he completed musical studies at the academy of music in Zurich, the School for Church Music in Lucerne and the State School for Music in Freiburg im Breisgau.
Simeon gained his diploma as choir master and organist and a certificate in composition under the tutelage of prof. Wolfgang Fortner.
1967 until 1987 - Teaches counterpoint, liturgical organ playing and conducting at the Academy for School and Church Music in Lucerne
1979 until 1991 - Manages the 'Jugendsingwochen' of the 'Engadiner Kantorei' at the Laudinella Centre for Culture in St. Moritz
Stephan Simeon concerted profusely with his choirs, most particularly in the field of a-cappella choir music.
Until the year 2000 he led choir singing weeks in St Moritz and St. Gerold/Vorarlberg, co-worked until 2001 on various church musical boards and, since then, has dedicated himself almost exclusively to the activity of composition. His opus encompasses small and large works for choir and organ, partly with instrumental and orchestral accompaniment and primarily in the areas of ecclesiastical and liturgical music but includes, at sporadic intervals, lieder and works for orchestra. The manner of his compositions leans heavily toward the 12-tone and serial music techniques with particular preference for a contrapuntal, polyphonal texture.
Work list
Hymnus, op. 1 (1965)
Instrumentation: for organ
Introductio - Kanon - Laudatio - Meditatio - Conclusio
Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript
Missa Simplex, op. 3 (1967-1968)
Instrumentation: for male choir (4 part), congregation and organ
Kyrie - Gloria - Agnus Dei
Duration: 10' 00"
Edition Cron
Doxologie, op. 2 (1965-1970)
Instrumentation: for organ
1. Pater - 2. Filius - 3. Spiritus
Duration: 11' 30"
Manuscript
Choralvorspiele zum katholischen Kirchengesangsbuch der Schweiz - Band 1, op. 4a (Choral Prelude to the Catholic Hymnbook of Switzerland - vol.1, op. 4a) (1969-1970)
Instrumentation: for organ
Duration: 6' 00"
Edition Cron
Igl cant, op. 5 (1971)
Cantata
Instrumentation: for male choir (4 part), children's choir (2 part) and piano
Texts: Peder Cadotsch
1. Cant digl univers
2. Cant digl suglegl
3. Cant dell'orma
Duration: 10' 30"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for male choir (4 part), children's choir (2 part) and piano
Texts: Peder Cadotsch
1. Cant digl univers
2. Cant digl suglegl
3. Cant dell'orma
Duration: 10' 30"
Manuscript
Der Lobpreis, op. 7 (1972)
Three motets
Instrumentation: for four-part mixed a-cappella choir
1. Herr, Herr, Deinen Ruhm wollen wir besingen
2. Gottes Volk
3. Doxologie (Durch ihn und mit ihm...)
Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for four-part mixed a-cappella choir
1. Herr, Herr, Deinen Ruhm wollen wir besingen
2. Gottes Volk
3. Doxologie (Durch ihn und mit ihm...)
Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript
Choralvorspiele zum katholischen Kirchengesangsbuch der Schweiz - Band 2, op. 4b (Choral Prelude to the Catholic Hymnbook of Switzerland - vol.1, op. 4b) (1972-1973)
Instrumentation: for organ
Duration: 9' 00"
Edition Cron
Gottesdienstmusik, op. 6 (1972-1973)
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4 part) and organ
Introductio - Alleluja - Offertorium - Doxologia - Communio - Toccata ad benedictionem.
Hymn for the Church Mass held in the German language after the revised liturgical order of the Catholic Service.
Cyclic arrangement with organ interludes.
Modern style (12 tone) of a moderate level of difficulty.
Duration: 12' 30"
Manuscript
Choralvorspiele zum katholischen Kirchengesangsbuch der Schweiz - Band 3, op. 4c (Choral Prelude to the Catholic Hymnbook of Switzerland - vol.1, op. 4c) (1973)
Instrumentation: for organ
Duration: 5' 00"
Edition Cron
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes, op. 8 (1974)
Psalm motet
Instrumentation: for four-part mixed a-cappella choir
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for four-part mixed a-cappella choir
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Hochgebet Synode 72, op. 9 (1975)
In Wahrheit ist es würdig und recht...
Instrumentation: for cantor (celebrant), choir (4-part), congregation and organ
Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for cantor (celebrant), choir (4-part), congregation and organ
Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript
Werden - Vergehen - Sein, op. 10 (1979-1982)
Cantata
Instrumentation: for soprano, tenor, 4-8-part mixed choir, wind (1.1.0.1/0.2.3.0), perc (xyl.2tam.4timp) and organ
The cantata (the oratorio) describes and puts into song the progression of the seasons in biblical pictures with texts from the Holy Scriptures ('Zwingli' bible). The work is in ten parts, written using the 12-tone technique and requires an extremely good choir.
Duration: 50' 00"
Instrumentation: for soprano, tenor, 4-8-part mixed choir, wind (1.1.0.1/0.2.3.0), perc (xyl.2tam.4timp) and organ
The cantata (the oratorio) describes and puts into song the progression of the seasons in biblical pictures with texts from the Holy Scriptures ('Zwingli' bible). The work is in ten parts, written using the 12-tone technique and requires an extremely good choir.
Duration: 50' 00"
Akademie für Schul- und Kirchenmusik
Musikhochschule Luzern
Zentralstrasse 18
CH-6002 Luzern
Tel. +41 (0)41 226 03 70
Fax +41 (0)41 226 03 71
info@mhs.fhz.ch
www.musikhochschule.ch/index.html
Zentralstrasse 18
CH-6002 Luzern
Tel. +41 (0)41 226 03 70
Fax +41 (0)41 226 03 71
info@mhs.fhz.ch
www.musikhochschule.ch/index.html
Adventskantate, op. 11 (1987)
Instrumentation: for alto and tenor, speaker, choir (4-part), harp, string orchestra and congregation
Texts: Josef Griesbeck, Rainer Maria Rilke, Maria Luise Thurmair
This work utilises Advent texts from various authors and incorporates the listeners/congregation by way of Advent songs from the Church Hymn Book. The style is modern (12-tone, serial) and requires a good choir, good soloists and an experienced speaker.
Duration: 40' 00"
Akademie für Schul- und Kirchenmusik
Musikhochschule Luzern
Zentralstrasse 18
CH-6002 Luzern
Tel. +41 (0)41 226 03 70
Fax +41 (0)41 226 03 71
info@mhs.fhz.ch
www.musikhochschule.ch/index.html
Zentralstrasse 18
CH-6002 Luzern
Tel. +41 (0)41 226 03 70
Fax +41 (0)41 226 03 71
info@mhs.fhz.ch
www.musikhochschule.ch/index.html
Cierto Cansancio, op. 12 (1988)
Instrumentation: for soli (SATB), speaker, choir (4-part), half chorus (ensemble), woodwind (1.2.0.1), strings (2.1.1.1) and organ
Texts: Pablo Neruda
A commissioned work from the Oberaargau Chamber Choir, the reason why the total-choir parts remain simple (major mediants and progressions). The sound material is a symmetrical 12-tone series proceeding in thirds and a corresponding sound column, which partly defines the pitches. Speaking choirs are included.
Duration: 20' 00"
Manuscript
Ego dilecto meo, op. 13 (1988)
Motet
Instrumentation: for six-part mixed a-cappella choir
Text from the Song of Songs (7, 11-14).
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for six-part mixed a-cappella choir
Text from the Song of Songs (7, 11-14).
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Ewiges Neubeginnen, op. 14 (1978-1989)
Motet
Instrumentation: for 4-8-part mixed a-cappella choir
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for 4-8-part mixed a-cappella choir
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Kommt, lasst uns jubeln vor dem Herrn, op. 15 (1991)
Psalms 95
Instrumentation: for tenor, unisono choir and organ
The work is based upon concertante organ music with the inclusion of a unisono choir (mixed) with speaking parts.
Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for tenor, unisono choir and organ
The work is based upon concertante organ music with the inclusion of a unisono choir (mixed) with speaking parts.
Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript
Ego sum lux mundi (Ich bin das Licht der Welt), op. 16 (1991)
Motet
Instrumentation: for soli (SATB) and 6-part mixed choir
This motet is dedicated to the 'Engadiner Kantorei' after a biblical saying in the choir fresco at the church in Bondo (Grisons). The text appears in the German and Latin languages.
Duration: 8' 00"
Instrumentation: for soli (SATB) and 6-part mixed choir
This motet is dedicated to the 'Engadiner Kantorei' after a biblical saying in the choir fresco at the church in Bondo (Grisons). The text appears in the German and Latin languages.
Duration: 8' 00"
Laudinella Verlag
Engadiner Kantorei
CH-7500 St. Moritz
CH-7500 St. Moritz
Psalm 126, op. 18 (1992)
Instrumentation: for cantor (m = baritone, f = soprano), congregation and organ
The psalm verses are through-composed. The congregation takes part with an antiphon from the 'Schweizerischen Kirchengesangsbuch'.
Duration: 4' 00"
Edition Cron
Psalm 97, op. 19 (1994)
Instrumentation: for cantor (m = baritone, f = soprano), congregation and organ
The psalm verses are through-composed. The congregation takes part with an antiphon from the 'Schweizerischen Kirchengesangsbuch'.
Duration: 7' 00"
Edition Cron
So spricht der Herr, op. 20 (1995)
Church Service
Instrumentation: for cantor (tenor/baritone), mixed choir (SAB) congregation and organ
This work consists of five hymns which can be used as a whole or singularly within the church service. The texts are assembled from Ephesians. The adapted melodies were penned by Gregor Müller, Daniel Meier and Hans Rudolf Basler. Includes original compositions.
Duration: 16' 00"
Instrumentation: for cantor (tenor/baritone), mixed choir (SAB) congregation and organ
This work consists of five hymns which can be used as a whole or singularly within the church service. The texts are assembled from Ephesians. The adapted melodies were penned by Gregor Müller, Daniel Meier and Hans Rudolf Basler. Includes original compositions.
Duration: 16' 00"
Edition Cron
Gott hat uns geliebt, op. 21 (1995)
Ezekiel 34
Instrumentation: for cantor (baritone), choir (SATB), congregation and organ
Duration: 2' 00"
Instrumentation: for cantor (baritone), choir (SATB), congregation and organ
Duration: 2' 00"
Edition Cron
Psalm 150, op. 22 (1997)
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-8-part), flute, percussion and organ
Duration: 20' 00"
Manuscript
Ich bin das Licht der Welt, op. 23 (1998-1999)
Church Service
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part), wind instruments (2tpt.2tbn), organ and congregation
The service consists of original compositions by Stephan Simeon and song adaptations from the New Catholic Hymn Book. They can be performed as a whole or in parts integrated into the service.
Duration: 25' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part), wind instruments (2tpt.2tbn), organ and congregation
The service consists of original compositions by Stephan Simeon and song adaptations from the New Catholic Hymn Book. They can be performed as a whole or in parts integrated into the service.
Duration: 25' 00"
Manuscript
Auf dem Wasser zu singen, op. 26 (1999)
Evening star
Instrumentation: for soprano solo (S or Mez) without accompaniment
Texts: Ulrich Suter
This song, based on a twelve-tone series, is intended for performance on a body of water (lake, pond) from a boat.
Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for soprano solo (S or Mez) without accompaniment
Texts: Ulrich Suter
This song, based on a twelve-tone series, is intended for performance on a body of water (lake, pond) from a boat.
Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript
Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten, op. 27 (1999-2000)
Small choral partita
Instrumentation: for concertante organ
In five parts:
Choral - Bicinium - Trio (with cantus firmus in the pedal) - cantus firmus (in manual-bass) - choral in canon.
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for concertante organ
In five parts:
Choral - Bicinium - Trio (with cantus firmus in the pedal) - cantus firmus (in manual-bass) - choral in canon.
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Dir, Gott, ist nichts verborgen, op. 25 (1999-2000)
Small song cantata
Instrumentation: for choir (2-4-part), soli ad lib (SB), congregation, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones and organ
Texts: Caspar Ulenberg, Maria Luise Thurmair
Duration: 3' 30"
Instrumentation: for choir (2-4-part), soli ad lib (SB), congregation, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones and organ
Texts: Caspar Ulenberg, Maria Luise Thurmair
Duration: 3' 30"
Edition Cron
Rosenlieder Miniaturen, op. 28 (2000)
Four lieder
Instrumentation: for soprano and piano
Texts: Ulrich Suter
Rosenköpfchen - Tust, Rose - Im Taumel der Welt - Wer ein Dornenreich.
The lieder were composed at The Castle of Heidegg (near Hitzkirch in the Seetal region of Lucerne) within the framework of 'Tales', the Seetal Poetry Summer 2000, and are inspired by the famous rose garden.
Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for soprano and piano
Texts: Ulrich Suter
Rosenköpfchen - Tust, Rose - Im Taumel der Welt - Wer ein Dornenreich.
The lieder were composed at The Castle of Heidegg (near Hitzkirch in the Seetal region of Lucerne) within the framework of 'Tales', the Seetal Poetry Summer 2000, and are inspired by the famous rose garden.
Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript
Doxologie ("Ehre sei dem Vater...") (2000)
Instrumentation: for three-part choir (SAB) a-cappella
Manuscript
Eine Freude wird vollkommen sein, op. 29 (2001)
Motet
Instrumentation: for six-part mixed a-cappella choir
Motet for a very advanced choir based on the twelve tone technique (symmetrical series of Tritonus intervals).
Commission for the fortieth anniversary of the 'Evangelischen Singgemeinde'.
Duration: 4' 30"
Instrumentation: for six-part mixed a-cappella choir
Motet for a very advanced choir based on the twelve tone technique (symmetrical series of Tritonus intervals).
Commission for the fortieth anniversary of the 'Evangelischen Singgemeinde'.
Duration: 4' 30"
Evangelische Singgemeinde
Balmerstr. 12
CH-3006 Bern
Schweiz
CH-3006 Bern
Schweiz
Zwei Choralvorspiele, op. 35a&b (2001)
Instrumentation: for organ
Freu Dich, erlöste Christenheit (2nd version) (each 1')
Der Geist des Herrn erfüllt das All (1'15)
Duration: 3' 30"
Schweizerischer Katholischer Kirchenmusikverlag
Bern
Jauchzet dem Herrn, alle Welt, op. 24 (1999)
Psalms 100
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part) and wind instruments (1.1.ca.0.1/0.2.2.0) or organ
A piece for a good amateur choir often supported, colla parte, by one of the two brass choirs. The Psalm is part of a Psalm cycle consisting of Psalms 130, 42, 70 and 100. This thematically classified cycle ("Von der Dunkelheit zum Licht"), all with the same score is, suitable for performance without the necessity of an organ (e.g. outdoors). The single Psalms, each lasting 6-8 minutes, can be performed as a cycle or singularly.
Duration: 6' 00"
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part) and wind instruments (1.1.ca.0.1/0.2.2.0) or organ
A piece for a good amateur choir often supported, colla parte, by one of the two brass choirs. The Psalm is part of a Psalm cycle consisting of Psalms 130, 42, 70 and 100. This thematically classified cycle ("Von der Dunkelheit zum Licht"), all with the same score is, suitable for performance without the necessity of an organ (e.g. outdoors). The single Psalms, each lasting 6-8 minutes, can be performed as a cycle or singularly.
Duration: 6' 00"
Schweizerischer Katholischer Kirchenmusikverlag
Bern
Meine Seele dürstet allzeit nach Gott, op. 30 (2002)
Psalm 42
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part) and wind instruments (1.1.ca.0.1/0.2.2.0), congregation
A piece for a good amateur choir often supported, colla parte, by one of the two brass choirs. The Psalm is part of a Psalm cycle consisting of Psalms 130, 42, 70 and 100. This thematically classified cycle ("Von der Dunkelheit zum Licht"), all with the same score is, suitable for performance without the necessity of an organ (e.g. outdoors). The single Psalms, each lasting 6-8 minutes, can be performed as a cycle or singularly.
Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part) and wind instruments (1.1.ca.0.1/0.2.2.0), congregation
A piece for a good amateur choir often supported, colla parte, by one of the two brass choirs. The Psalm is part of a Psalm cycle consisting of Psalms 130, 42, 70 and 100. This thematically classified cycle ("Von der Dunkelheit zum Licht"), all with the same score is, suitable for performance without the necessity of an organ (e.g. outdoors). The single Psalms, each lasting 6-8 minutes, can be performed as a cycle or singularly.
Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript
Aus der Tiefe rufe ich, Herr, zu Dir, op. 31 (2003)
Psalm 130
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part) and wind instruments (1.1.ca.0.1/0.2.2.0)
A piece for a good amateur choir often supported, colla parte, by one of the two brass choirs. The Psalm is part of a Psalm cycle consisting of Psalms 130, 42, 70 and 100. This thematically classified cycle ("Von der Dunkelheit zum Licht"), all with the same score is, suitable for performance without the necessity of an organ (e.g. outdoors). The single Psalms, each lasting 6-8 minutes, can be performed as a cycle or singularly.
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part) and wind instruments (1.1.ca.0.1/0.2.2.0)
A piece for a good amateur choir often supported, colla parte, by one of the two brass choirs. The Psalm is part of a Psalm cycle consisting of Psalms 130, 42, 70 and 100. This thematically classified cycle ("Von der Dunkelheit zum Licht"), all with the same score is, suitable for performance without the necessity of an organ (e.g. outdoors). The single Psalms, each lasting 6-8 minutes, can be performed as a cycle or singularly.
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Der Herr ist mein Licht und mein Heil, op. 32 (2003-2004)
Psalm 27
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part) and wind instruments (1.1.ca.0.1/0.2.2.0)
A piece for a good amateur choir often supported, colla parte, by one of the two brass choirs. The Psalm is part of a Psalm cycle consisting of Psalms 130, 42, 70 and 100. This thematically classified cycle ("Von der Dunkelheit zum Licht"), all with the same score is, suitable for performance without the necessity of an organ (e.g. outdoors). The single Psalms, each lasting 6-8 minutes, can be performed as a cycle or singularly.
Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for mixed choir (4-part) and wind instruments (1.1.ca.0.1/0.2.2.0)
A piece for a good amateur choir often supported, colla parte, by one of the two brass choirs. The Psalm is part of a Psalm cycle consisting of Psalms 130, 42, 70 and 100. This thematically classified cycle ("Von der Dunkelheit zum Licht"), all with the same score is, suitable for performance without the necessity of an organ (e.g. outdoors). The single Psalms, each lasting 6-8 minutes, can be performed as a cycle or singularly.
Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript
Kleine Suite, op. 33 (2004)
Instrumentation: for string orchestra
Introductio - Arioso - Meditatio - Finale.
Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript
Wie lieblich sind Deine Wohnungen, Herr!, op. 34 (2004)
Psalms 84
Instrumentation: for 4-6-part a-cappella choir
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for 4-6-part a-cappella choir
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Psalm 84 "Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen, Herr!" (2004)
Instrumentation: for 4-part mixed a-cappella choir
Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript
Der gute Hirt (2006-2007)
Motet
Instrumentation: for four-part choir, string quartet and organ
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for four-part choir, string quartet and organ
Manuscript
Bibliography
Stephan Simeon, in: Chorus (Dezember 2003) 8 (2003), S. 21
Reimann, Hannes: Laudinella. Lob einer scheinbar unbedeutenden Idee, Gehrig, Winterthur 1981